The energizing growth and success of the Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) has provided the impetus for another expansion in the number of Polar Plunge sites. Nine sites throughout Michigan will offer a LETR Polar Plunge this winter.

One new site is Detroit’s Belle Isle. The plunge has been approved as a sponsored Super Bowl event (Super Bowl is in Detroit on February 5). This means the Detroit Polar Plunge will be listed on all Super Bowl event itineraries.

"The Michigan LETR is excited to have this sponsored event, as the media exposure and increased public awareness about Special Olympics will reach a world-wide audience," said Kendall Snow, Classification Coordinator, Southern Michigan Correctional Facility and LETR co-director.

Last year’s five plunges raised approximately $55,000 and the goal for 2006 has been set at $78,500. This year’s nine sites are:

Feb. 4 - Detroit Plunge - Belle Isle

Feb. 11 - Muskegon Plunge - Camp Pendalouan

Feb. 12 - Lansing Plunge - Hawk Island County Park

Feb. 18 - Saginaw Plunge - Four Points Sheraton

Feb. 18 - Cheboygan Plunge - Burt Lake

Feb. 19 - Whitmore Lake Plunge – Harbor Cove Apt. Beach House

Feb. 19 - Grand Rapids Plunge - Reeds Lake

Feb. 25 - Belleville Plunge - Belleville Moose Lodge

Mar. 18 - Central U.P. Plunge - Gwinn

The LETR Polar Plunge events have been sweeping the state, with law enforcement and corrections personnel organizing new ones every year.

"Who would have thought we could generate so much money for Special Olympics by asking creatively-dressed corrections staff to jump in freezing water during the middle of winter," said Michael Marutiak, Department Manager, Special Alternative Incarceration and LETR Director. "Yet they love it.The DOC and LETR do far more than just running to help our Special Olympics program."

To register for a Polar Plunge, contact www.somi.org, or your worksite’s LETR Team Captain. Registration is a minimum of $50, with incentive items awarded for additional donations. Prizes are awarded for creative costumes, creative plunges and most recruited plungers.

"If you can’t bring yourself to jump in the frigid water, come out anyway and cheer on those who can," said Marutiak. "There is always an after-plunge party to warm up and talk about a great charity, the LETR and Special Olympics."

Michigan Department of Corrections FYI 011906