It’s not often that you’ll see super heroes, uniform-clad deputy sheriffs and even Jack Sparrow sprinting together toward chilly waters all with the goal of raising money for Special Olympics.

However, the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Polar Plunge is right around the corner and anyone in the community can get involved.

“Special Olympics has been the charity of choice for law enforcement for over 30 years,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Sgt. Gerri McCorkle, coordinator of the annual event. “This is an opportunity for deputy sheriffs and the community to come together and not only celebrate Special Olympics, but also help raise money for such a wonderful cause.”

This year’s event will take place on Saturday, June 6th at Hurricane Harbor.

“We are so excited to be returning to Hurricane Harbor,” said Special Olympics Regional Director Laura Mayo. “We are fortunate and grateful for their support. Special Olympics relies heavily on our community members and it’s great to have a partner like our friends at Hurricane Harbor.”

The format for the Polar Plunge is quite simple: Community members and law enforcement officers form teams and receive pledges to jump into the “icy” waters, all in support of Special Olympics.

“Polar Plunge events for Special Olympics are held literally all over the world,” Sgt. McCorkle said. “It’s hard for us here in Southern California to pull off a true polar plunge compared to our partners in Michigan. We joke that our event here in the Santa Clarita Valley is more of a Solar Plunge.”

Anyone can join in on the fun by simply going to the Santa Clarita Special Olympics webpage at www.socsc.org/hurricaneharborplunge.

“Every year is such a fun experience,” said Mayo. “Our goal is to raise $25,000 and with the support of this fantastic community and our partners in law enforcement we’re confident we can reach that mark.”

For more information or to register, visit www.sosc.org/hurricaneharborplunge or contact Laura Mayo @661.253.2121 email: lmayo@sosc.org
About Special Olympics Southern California
Special Olympics Southern California has been changing lives for more than 40 years and offers opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to participate in year-round sports training and competition. Nearly 12,000 athletes in 11 counties participate in Southern California. Children and adults who participate in Special Olympics develop improved physical fitness and live happier, healthier, and longer lives.