Special Olympics Michigan Kicks Off 2026 Polar Plunge Season

Ready, set, plunge! Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) and the Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) are thrilled to announce the launch of the 2026 Polar Plunge season, inviting Michiganders across the state to take the ultimate winter challenge — a jump into icy waters — all to support more than 22,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID).

The Polar Plunge, organized in partnership with the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), is Special Olympics Michigan’s signature fundraising event. Each plunge brings together courageous individuals, community groups, law‑enforcement officers, businesses and athletes to make a splash for inclusion, acceptance and the transformative power of sport.

“Every Polar Plunge is a celebration of courage, community and commitment,” said Tim Hileman, President & CEO of Special Olympics Michigan. “Whether you’re taking your first plunge or returning for another year, every dollar raised helps create opportunities for athletes to compete, grow and shine both on and off the field.”

For the last three consecutive years, Michigan LETR raised more than $2 million annually for Special Olympics Michigan, allowing more than 2,500 athletes to travel and compete in the organization's largest event of the year, a three-day event featuring nearly a dozen sports: State Summer Games. Additional funding has supported state and regional competition throughout Michigan.

Historically, LETR has more than 100,000 law enforcement officers involved worldwide and has raised more than $1 billion to date, allowing athletes to shine and participate in sports programming at no cost to them.

Why Plunge?

Fundraising from the Plunge season fuels training, competition and leadership programs that empower athletes throughout Michigan.
The event is a visible symbol of inclusion: participants from all walks of life — students, corporate teams, law enforcement, families — plunge in together in support of athletes.
Beyond the dip, the Plunge events foster community, fun, costumes, local engagement, and positive visibility for Special Olympics athletes and supporters alike.

New in 2026

More events across more Michigan locations than ever, giving participants a wider selection of dates, venues and local experiences.
Enhanced community‑activations: local sponsors, raffles, themed costumes, team fundraising incentives, and after‑plunge celebrations.
A bold fundraising goal — participants and supporters are encouraged to set team and personal goals, recruit friends, and raise critical funds ahead of each plunge.

2026 Plunge Locations & Dates

Location	Date	Venue
Sault Ste. Marie	Saturday, January 24, 2026	LSSU James Norris Center
Jackson	Saturday, January 31, 2026	Eagles Nest
Fenton	Saturday, February 7, 2026	Fenton Moose Lodge
Turk Lake	Saturday, February 7, 2026	Turk Lake Restaurant
Southwest Michigan	Saturday, February 7, 2026	Watermark Brewery
Lake City	Saturday, February 7, 2026	The Town Pump
Grand Rapids	Saturday, February 14, 2026	LMCU Ballpark
Munising	Saturday, February 14, 2026	East Channel Brewing
Wayne County	Saturday, February 14, 2026	BYC
Midland	Saturday, February 14, 2026	Dow Diamond
Mt. Pleasant	Saturday, February 21, 2026	O’Kelly’s/Wayside
Alpena	Saturday, February 21, 2026	2nd Ave & Water St.
Macomb County	Saturday, February 21, 2026	MacRay Harbor
Washtenaw County	Sunday, February 22, 2026	HOMES Brewery Campus
Detroit	Friday, February 27, 2026	Bayview Yacht Club
Oakland County	Saturday, February 28, 2026	The Beach Tiki Bar
Big Rapids	Saturday, February 28, 2026	Elks Lodge
Muskegon	Saturday, February 28, 2026	Fricano’s
Lapeer	Saturday, March 7, 2026	Lake Inn
Building Plunge	Thursday, March 12, 2026	USIC Building
Marquette	Saturday, March 14, 2026	Up North Lodge
Manistee	Saturday, March 14, 2026	Little River Casino

(Note: Additional events, dates and venues may be finalized and published at PlungeMI.org as the season progresses.)

Get Involved

Register at PlungeMI.org and choose your location, build your team, and start your fundraising page today.
Fundraise—set a personal or team goal, reach out to sponsors, friends and family, and make each contribution count toward inclusion.
Participate or attend—you don’t have to jump to support the cause. You can donate, volunteer, cheer on teams, or join the after‑plunge celebration.
Be creative—costumes, team themes, wild fundraising challenges and local sponsors help make each Plunge event unique, fun and newsworthy.