Free slideshow: Hood River Polar Plunge raises more than $30,000 for local Special Olympics athletes

The money raised will help provide athletes with the training, resources, and sense of community for which Special Olympics is known. Funds will go toward purchasing new uniforms, paying facility fees for practices, and covering transportation costs for regional and state competitions. As organizers emphasized, the funding supports the programs, and the programs in turn support the athletes.

Local organizer Jennifer Moore said the event landed on an unexpected but fitting date. “We had not planned that the event would be on the same day as the opening of the Winter Olympics in Cortina, but it was a wonderful coincidence,” she said.

Special Olympics in the Hood River area offers more than a dozen sports for athletes to participate in throughout the year. These include basketball, soccer, skiing and snowboarding, golf, corn hole, bowling, and track and field, among others. Beyond athletics, the organization supports families and their children by providing structure, encouragement, and opportunities for personal growth.

Vicki Brennan, with the Mid-Columbia Association of Realtors, and co-chair of the Polar Plunge highlighted the broader impact of the organization. “Special Olympics serves individuals in the community with intellectual disabilities by helping them develop skills, build confidence, and maintain healthy lifestyles,” she said. “The programs also foster strong social connections and a supportive community for athletes and their families.”

Organizers noted that Special Olympics is always in need of volunteers, with a particular need this year for a head coach for their track and field program. Moore emphasized that volunteer support is welcome year-round.

“The Polar Plunge is a great way to support our local Special Olympians,” Moore said. “It brings the community together for a fun event while making a real difference in the lives of our athletes.”