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(KNSI) – The local Fraternal Order of Police is partnering with the St. Cloud Area Special Olympics for the Polar Plunge on February 15th in Avon at Middle Spunk Lake.

Stearns County Sheriff Steve Soyka will oversee preparations as organizers cut a hole in the ice to expose the freezing water that Friday, as well as the event itself the following day at noon.

He expects comradery to be on full display. “We encourage it to be kind of a team effort. So, we’ve seen sports teams…St John’s football has done it before. Some hockey teams have done it at the high school levels. We’ve also seen large families get together and do it, and almost become kind of a tradition to get together and do that.”

Many will wear jerseys, uniforms, costumes, or other colorful outfits as they shiver for a good cause. Soyka has taken the plunge once himself, but he wryly admits he prefers being a spectator.

Soyka credits a partnership between the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, Avon Police, Avon Fire, and Rockville Fire to ensure the event runs smoothly. While some participants are taking the polar plunge for the first time, many have done it before, often working in large groups.

“One of the big co-sponsors in this across the state of Minnesota is Kwik Trip. They traditionally bring out a pretty good sized team of jumpers, which I assume, I’ve never actually asked them where they’re all coming from, but I assume they’re coming from all the different stores around the central Minnesota area. And, so, they’re usually one of our biggest groups.”

The other fundraising tradition is the torch run in the summer. To donate to the plunge, click here. Soyka recommends showing up to offer support, whether you are jumping or not.

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