The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest grassroots fundraising effort for Special Olympics in the world. In 2008 alone, more than $34 million was raised world-wide by law enforcement volunteers in many unique ways, and one of the most successful events has been the Polar Plunge. Over 30 Polar Plunges take place every year in 15 states across the country, and millions of dollars are raised.  Here in Oregon, Polar Plunge Deschutes was the inaugural event in 1997 in Bend, Polar Plunge Columbia in Portland began in 2009, and in 2010, we will launch additional Polar Plunges in Corvallis, Eugene and Medford.  We invite you to be one of the thousands of chilled souls in Oregon who have plunged into winter waters to show their support and raise money for Special Olympics. 

Learn more about Law Enforcement Torch Run.

The Special Olympics Oregon mission is to provide year-round sports and athletic competitions in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other athletes and community. In Oregon, Special Olympics serves the largest disability population in the state by offering year-round sport training and competition programs with 15 Olympic-type sports at 37 Regional Competitions statewide, at no cost to our athletes or their families. In the Special Olympics program, people with intellectual disabilities enjoy the rare opportunity to be treated as people, not just as disabled. Through sport, our athletes gain self-confidence, social competency, and other enhanced skills, both physical and social.

Learn more about Special Olympics Oregon.