Madison, Wis. – Special Olympics Wisconsin is excited to announce the debut of their new Sun Run & Solar Plunge series taking place at six locations across the state this summer from June 5 through June 26.
Special Olympics Wisconsin’s newest event will have something for everyone. For the dedicated supporters who missed plunging into icy water this winter due to the COVID-related changes to the Polar Plunge, they’ll be able to make up for it by taking the Solar Plunge into chilly beach water or an icy pool. Participants will also get to run or walk the 5K Sun Run. The cost to participate is $75 for people 11 and up, with $35 due at registration and a remaining balance that can be fundraised through friends and family. Incentives like t-shirts, baseball caps, towels and coolers are available to participants who raise additional funds for the cause.
The events are family friendly, with kids runs, food and socially distant activities for all to enjoy. Children up to four are free and the cost for children five to 10 years old is only $35. There will also be a virtual option so fans will be able to join in the fun and show their support for Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes from anywhere. The Sun Run & Solar Plunge will also celebrate and showcase Special Olympics Wisconsin’s Young Athletes program for children two to 10.
Partnering with the plunge and run experts of law enforcement
After a year in which Special Olympics Wisconsin couldn’t hold their traditional Polar Plunge due to COVID-19, they’re eager to give fans another opportunity to show support for the 9,000+ athletes across the state. For this new event, Special Olympics Wisconsin is once again collaborating with their mission partners from the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Wisconsin.
Having helped organize events to benefit Special Olympics Wisconsin like the Polar Plunge for more than 20 years and Run With The Cops for nearly a decade, the LETR have truly established themselves as the plunge and run experts.
“We’re extremely excited at the opportunity to work with Special Olympics Wisconsin on the new Sun Run & Solar Plunge,” said Monona Police Department Community Relations Officer and LETR member, Nate Reynolds. “This new event will be a memorable day for everyone involved.”
With six Sun Run & Solar Plunge locations across the state and a virtual option, there’s something for everyone.
2021 Sun Run & Solar Plunge dates and locations
June 5, 2021: Green Bay (Bay Beach)
June 5, 2021: La Crosse (Black River Beach)
June 12, 2021: Oconomowoc (Roosevelt Park and Lake Country Trail)
June 12, 2021: Oshkosh (Menominee Park & Zoo)
June 19, 2021: Monona (Schluter Beach)
June 26, 2021: Milwaukee (State Fair Park)
Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes need help now more than ever
Donations raised in the Sun Run & Solar Plunge will support more than 9,000 Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes across the state who compete year-round in 19 Olympic-style sports. The pandemic has canceled many events over the past year but fitness programming and select sports competitions continue to take place in creative, safe and often virtual ways.
Special Olympics Wisconsin also provides critical healthcare to their athletes through their cutting-edge Healthy Athletes programming, while leadership trainings and collaborations with schools around the state help to build positive attitudes toward people with intellectual disabilities and create more inclusive schools and communities.
During the Sun Run & Solar Plunge series, Special Olympics Wisconsin will also be showcasing their Young Athletes program, an innovative and inclusive sport and play program for children ages two to 10 years old with and without intellectual disabilities.
This impact wouldn’t be possible without support from fans who rally around Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes through events like the Sun Run & Solar Plunge. Register today to secure your spot in the inaugural Sun Run & Solar Plunge at SolarPlunge.org!