Record turnout at Bend’s annual polar plunge to support Special Olympics Oregon
Spencer Sacks
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — More than 500 participants gathered in Riverbend Park, for the annual Polar Plunge. Despite water temperatures of 38 degrees, the event saw record attendance from local residents, students and community groups.
This year’s event grew to 550 participants, up from 300 people the previous year. The surge in popularity caused the event to start 20 minutes late after more than 100 people registered between late Friday night and the morning of the plunge.
Emily Rose, vice president of development and marketing for Special Olympics Oregon, noted the impact of the increased turnout.
“So to go from 300 to 500 and 50 in 1 year is amazing,” Rose said. “It’s great to see the Central Oregon community come together to support people with intellectual disabilities in their community.”
The event featured a 5K run and a costume contest. More than 28 different groups were represented during the plunge, including students from several local high schools such as Mountain View High School. Participants dressed in various costumes to spread awareness for the organization.
Deschutes County Interim Sheriff Ty Rupert was among the first-time participants taking the plunge. Rupert noted that many members of his agency joined the event.
“I am going to take the plunge. I’m excited to take on going just like this,” Rupert said. “This is a great event. It’s the Special Olympics Oregon. We have a lot of people from our agency participating. I’m super proud of them.”
Safety and support teams were stationed in the water during the festivities. Alex Beck, a member of Deschutes County Search and Rescue, monitored the area as participants jumped in.
“I’m stoked being in the water out here,” Beck said. “See all the smiles on Everybody’s faces and just have some fun.”
The cause resonated with local workers who interact with the athletes through their daily jobs. Lavonne Sholes, a Bend-Lapine Schools bus driver, said the event supports a group she knows well.
“It’s just an awesome cause,” Sholes said. “I take lots of trips with this Special Olympics groups and special needs groups and they are a fantastic group of kids so I want to support that for sure.”
While many were new to the event, others returned to continue their support for the charity. Abraham, representing Bend Honda and the Lithia Group, completed his fourth year at the plunge.
“You know, doing something for charity. That’s always wonderful about this,” Abraham said. “My fourth year doing it and I’m just happy to be doing it.”
Steve, another participant in the plunge, emphasized that the goal of the gathering was to raise awareness while bringing joy to the community. “It’s just a fun way to raise awareness for Special Olympics,” Steve said. “That’s what we’re out here doing, is making people smile.”