We're joining more than 100 other officers for a frigid dip in Puget Sound tomorrow to raise money for one of our favorite causes, Special Olympics WA. We would love to have Redmond community members come out and join us for this fun event! We're particularly excited this year as Redmond will be hosting part of the Special Olympics 2018 USA Games this summer. "The law enforcement community and Special Olympics have a long-standing and significant relationship," said Captain Erik Scairpon, of Redmond Police Department. "For more than 30 years, our law enforcement community has jumped into icy water in the middle of winter to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics and their mission of inclusion. The cold we feel is temporary. The positive impact is not. The annual event is one of the largest grass-root fundraisers for Special Olympics Washington as result of the support from each community Funds generated from events like the Polar Plunge provide year-round opportunities to more than 17,500 athletes across the state so they can train and compete in regional tournaments, State Games (Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer) and participate in state programming and initiatives held by the state Special Olympics Washington office such as Healthy Communities, Healthy Athletes, Athlete Leadership, Unified Sports and more. This year's Polar Plunge efforts will also help fund Team Washington's Home Team who are athletes and coaches who have been selected to compete in the 2018 USA Games this summer. Team Washington's Home Team will consist of 250 athletes from across the state who are preparing to compete in 14 different sports including golf, swimming, bocce, athletics, powerlifting, tennis, softball, soccer, stand-up paddle boarding, basketball, bowling, gymnastics, flag football and volleyball at the 2018 USA Games July 1-6 in Seattle. Law Enforcement Support Polar Plunge is part of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) campaign in support of Special Olympics. LETR is supported by more than 100,000 law enforcement members worldwide who help raise money and public awareness for Special Olympics. As the largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics, LETR funds raised go directly to local programs so athletes can train and compete in the sports of their choice. Special Olympics Washington Polar Plunge – Seattle: When: Saturday, February 3, 2018 -Registration opens at 10 a.m. -Presentation begins at 11 a.m. -Plunge at 1 p.m. Where: Golden Gardens Beach, Seattle Who: Anyone with a warm heart that wants to support Special Olympics athletes More Info: The general public is welcome to attend the event, and participate in the festival, beer garden and/or sign up to take the Polar Plunge on the day of the event for $75 donation. Website: PolarPlungeWa.org 
