Thousands of people around Oregon join the Polar Plunge, where they run into icy waters to raise money for Special Olympics Oregon. Show support by donating to the cause! Your support helps Special Olympics Oregon bring all persons with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to be a part of the larger society where they are accepted, respected and given the chance to become useful and productive citizens.
Here in Oregon, while Special Olympics Oregon serves close to 12,000 participants throughout the state, nearly 100,000 people with intellectual disabilities could benefit from participating in Special Olympics. Still growing, Special Olympics Oregon is efficiently expanding programs to get closer and closer to serving every individual with intellectual disabilities that qualifies to participate in Special Olympics.
The Polar Plunge is the largest grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics Oregon. The event also provides the opportunity raise awareness and spread our mission throughout the state. Part of the Polar Plunge, PLEDGE and PLUNGE is an awareness campaign that educates students and staff about the derogatory use of the word "retard(ed)" and raises awareness for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Participants have the opportunity to pledge to spread the word to end the word.
Your donation teaches Training for Life to the largest disability population in Oregon; teaching skills that increase potential for employment and independence and improving educational performance for students. Funding provides health education and fitness training to this currently under-served population and promotes greater respect for individuals with intellectual disability. Families receive a venue for networking and information sharing.
