Taking the polar plunge for Special Olympics

People and groups will be "freezin' for a reason" on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Blue Pony Stadium.

The annual SubZero SuperHero Polar Plunge will take place prior to the Montana State University-Northern football game that evening.

People need to raise at least $100 through pledges in order to participate in this event - teams can be formed as well. The actual plunge will take place in a large tank of ice-cold water.

The money that is raised through the Polar Plunge will be used to help fund Special Olympics-Montana programs, which provides year-round sports opportunities to people with developmental disabilities.

Mandy Hansen, the publicity chair for the Polar Plunge and Special Olympic, said that the Polar Plunge is an opportunity for individuals, organizations and businesses to support the athletes who are part of the Special Olympics. "Even if they don't jump, they are still helping," she said.

If one would not like to take the icy dip, they can register as a "chicken," which means they can raise pledges and still receive incentives, just like a regular plunger would. The only difference would be they do not jump into the ice-cold water.

Incentives will be available based on the amount of money an individual or team raises.

Hansen also said that it is not required for one to dress up as a superhero, however it is strongly encouraged. "In my eyes, and I know in the athlete's eyes, they're already superheros for what they're doing," she said.

Shaylee Lewis, a special education teacher at Havre High School, has been working with the Special Olympics for 11 years.

Lewis said that the Polar Plunge is a great way to raise money to continue the year-round programing.

"Special Olympics allows people with intellectual disabilities to learn how to live life through sports," she said.

David Bischoff, a Havre supervisory border patrol agent, will take part in the plunge.

He wanted to give credit to the Havre Police Department for planning his team for the Polar Plunge. Bischoff said he is excited to raise money for the Special Olympics.

"It is good to give something back," he said.

For information on the Polar Plunge and how to register, visit http://www.somt.org/events/plunge.