PLUNGE Super Over Weekend for Special Olympic Illinois @ Cork & Kerry

Bill Guide's door at Cork & Kerry Pub in the heart of Beverly has always been open to Special Olympics Illinois, and some days the pool is open, like last Saturday, round the clock, beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 9 p.m. When the sun burst through from at 4 p.m. the pace picked up.

"Last year's event was such a great family outing for the Beverly, Morgan Park and Mount Greenwood families," said Guide, Cork & Kerry owner. "The music, entertainment and kids plunging with their parents made it it was one of our most memorable events.

"Donating to Special Olympics Illinois and hosting events like this with our community police officers instills in children a sense of respect and inclusion of others. There's something very unifying watching officers and other supporters take the plunge to raise money for Special Olympic Illinois' resources and programming."

Following last year's Plunge, organizers decided to Go Super or Go Home with a Super Plunge.

The 2023 Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge to help fund opportunities for Special Olympics Illinois athletes takes place at Cork & Kerry, located at 10614 S Western Ave., Chicago, Illinois on Saturday. Prior to the event, supporters can register beginning at 8 a.m. The SOIL Opening Ceremony will follow at 8:45 a.m. The first plunge is scheduled for 9 a.m.

A celebrated plunger from last year, Kelley Leyden, the 2022 Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade Queen, from the community brings with her the 2023 Queen Casey Doherty and a member of her court, Marsie Finnegan.

"I can't wait to take that icy plunge again for such a great cause," said Leyden.

Participants wishing to register (here) for further plunges will find additional information at (plungeillinois.com).

The Super Plunge is similar to a traditional Polar Plunge, but with even more icy dips into the chilly water. Super participants have pledged to enter the water 24 times over the course of 12 hours. The Super Plunge will take place from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Most registered plunge once.

Registered Super Plunge participants must raise a minimum of $1,500. For those plunging once, there is a minimum of $100 raised. Fundraising minimums must be met in order to receive the highly-coveted Polar Plunge sweatshirt. Participants are encouraged to raise more and those who do will be eligible to receive additional incentive prizes.

Participants are asked to use the hashtag #PlungeIllinois to showcase their efforts through pictures and video, as well as to tag Special Olympics Illinois on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok at @specialolympicsillinois.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run® is the single largest year-round fundraising vehicle benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. The annual intrastate relay and its various fundraising projects have two goals: to raise money and to gain awareness for the athletes who participate in Special Olympics Illinois. The Law Enforcement Torch Run® has raised more than $61 million since 1986 while increasing awareness of Special Olympics Illinois athletes and their accomplishments. accomplishments.

Traditionally, more than 3,000 officers in Illinois run more than 1,500 miles carrying the Flame of Hope through the streets of their hometowns and deliver it to the State Summer Games in Normal each June.

About Special Olympics Illinois

Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit sports organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports for more than 18,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and more than 9,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. It strives to be a global leader in shaping a culture where people with and without intellectual disabilities are fully integrated into the community by providing year round opportunities in competitive sports, health education, leadership and personal development.

To participate to Special Olympics Illinois and its vision, contact your local region call our headquarters at 800-394-0562 or visit our website at www.soill.org. Follow Special Olympics Illinois on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.