Special Olympics polar plunge to be held Saturday

The people in the Havre Special Olympics program will be able to participate in activities this year because some people are willing to jump in a big vat of ice cold water Saturday.

The SubZero SuperHero Polar Plunge will take place Saturday at Blue Pony Stadium after the Montana State University-Northern football game. Officials say it should happen between 4 and 5 p.m.

People who can gather more than $100 in pledges will be invited to take the plunge into the cold water while friends cheer them on.

"It's really fun," said Mandy Hansen, a longtime volunteer for Special Olympics. "The sting of the water only lasts a little while," she assured people.

People collect pledges from co-workers, friends and relatives.

The money will go to fund a variety of Special Olympics programs, said Dave Carlson, a Havre Middle School teacher.

The next event will be the Special Olympics state basketball tournament in Helena Nov. 12-14.

Special Olympics is a great program for kids to take part in, he said.

Teachers, principals, police officers, students and reporters have jumped into the ice cold-water to raise money and entrain their friends.

Special Olympians will be at Saturday's football game and will be there to enjoy seeing the plungers.

People are encouraged to sign up at the Special Olympics website or they can show up at the event Saturday.