POST FALLS, Idaho — Around 50 brave souls made their way into the icy waters of the Spokane River at Red Lion Hotel Templins in Post Falls on Saturday as part of the annual Special Olympics Idaho Polar Plunge.
The event raises funds for year-round sports training, athletic competitions, and health initiatives for Idaho athletes who participate in the Special Olympics.
“It’s always amazing, all the work that goes into this leading up with law enforcement and athletes and everything. Then the actual activity takes about 10 seconds, that always strikes me,” said Mike Fitch with Special Olympics Idaho.
Organizers predict more than $20,000 were raised through this year’s event, well over last year’s total of $12,000.
Athletes who have represented the state in previous Special Olympics say seeing the community support feels amazing.
“It’s so thrilling to compete. It’s so exciting,” said Special Olympics athlete Kirk Grogan. “It’s just a rush. It’s inspiration to compete with other athletes like me.”
Grogan is one of the 32 Idaho athletes that plan to participate in this summer’s USA games.
Organizers say these funds go towards supporting athletes like him this summer as well as future competitions.
COPYRIGHT 2025 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.