Deadwood residents gathered on Saturday for the annual Northern Hills Polar Plunge at Outlaw Square, an event that benefited Special Olympics South Dakota. At this event, local community members and people from the surrounding areas teamed up to raise funds for Special Olympics.
Participants in the Polar Plunge braved the cold waters by taking the plunge, demonstrating their support for Special Olympics. The event aims to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics South Dakota, which serves over 2,500 athletes throughout the state.
Jim Smit, the event coordinator for the Polar Plunge, was happy how the event turned out. “We do have a beautiful day. The sun is shining and it’s just a great event – community involvement, so many sponsors that have come out for this. We appreciate every one of them” he said.
Many individuals, including Trevor Tridle, an athlete for the Special Olympics, participated in the Polar Plunge. Tridle said he was nervous to jump but he did it and enjoyed the rush.
Participants were required to raise a minimum of $100, but they were encouraged to raise more if possible. Polar Plunges like this are held across the country, and this particular event raised over $4,000. The funds will be used to provide year-round sports training for athletes in South Dakota who participate in Special Olympics.