On April 5, the 2025 Boulder Polar Plunge will take place at the Boulder Reservoir from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The polar plunge is an annual nationwide event that brings together law enforcement, local organizations, and the community to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics Colorado. This is the 17th annual polar plunge event in Colorado.
Participants gathered pledges for donations in exchange for taking a chilling dip into reservoir waters (the current water temperature is around 45ºF) to support athletes with disabilities. Participants and local law enforcement teams will engage in a friendly rivalry to see which individual or team can raise the most funds for the cause.
“We’ve always supported the Special Olympics in various ways over the years,” Boulder County Sheriff Vinnie Montez said. “Historically, we’ve participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, one of our most significant events, and promoted raffles for vehicles, including trucks and SUVs, to raise funds for the organization. This year, we're excited to participate in the Polar Plunge again.”
The Polar Plunge has gained momentum over the years, with around 50 local law enforcement agencies in Colorado competing to raise funds. A long-standing rivalry exists between the Boulder County Sheriff's Office and the Boulder Police Department for who can raise the most amount of money for the event.
“Chief Redfern challenged the Sheriff's Office, and I think he might have also challenged some of the other agencies,” Montez said. “We, in turn, have kind of challenged them back. Erie Police Department and Thornton PD have joined in, so now there are multiple teams involved. It’s just a good-natured rivalry that helps raise funds and attention for the Special Olympics.”
Sheriff Curtis of the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office also emphasized the significance of the event. “The polar plunge not only raises money for a great cause but also strengthens the bond between law enforcement and the communities we serve. It’s about showing our support for these athletes and helping bring the community together.”
In addition to the friendly competition between law enforcement agencies, the Polar Plunge offers the community a chance to see a different side of local law enforcement.
“It gives people a chance to see the other side of our deputies,” Montez said. “We often encounter people in their moments of crisis, but this is a chance to show a lighter side of us. It allows us to engage with the community in a positive way while supporting an important cause.”
Special Olympics Colorado relies heavily on fundraising to support its athletes. The funds raised from events like the Polar Plunge go directly toward providing sports training, competitions, leadership opportunities, and health screenings for athletes.
“Special Olympics provides an invaluable opportunity for athletes to compete and develop skills that last a lifetime,” said Katie Margolis, event manager of Law Enforcement Torch Run events for Special Olympics Colorado. “It costs $264 to put one athlete through an entire year of training and competition. Our goal is to raise $85,000 at the Boulder event, which will support over 300 athletes.”
The involvement of law enforcement is central to the success of the Polar Plunge. The Law Enforcement Torch Run, which raises funds year-round, is the largest grassroots fundraising movement for Special Olympics worldwide.
“We’re fortunate to have over 50 agencies involved in Colorado, and Boulder County is one of our strongest supporters,” Margolis said.
For Montez and his team, supporting the Special Olympics goes beyond fundraising. It’s about being part of a community-wide effort that has a tangible impact on the lives of athletes.
“The Special Olympics is a great organization that provides opportunities for athletes to compete and be part of something bigger,” Montez said. "It's an opportunity to support an organization that’s doing great work and investing in people’s lives."
The event not only raises money for the Special Olympics but also encourages community engagement.
“We ask for the community’s support a lot of times during difficult situations,” Montez said. “But this is a chance for them to be part of something positive, to support our team, and to join us in supporting a great cause. It brings the community together.”
The Sheriff’s Office has been promoting the event through social media, including a video where Montez and other deputies re-enacted an old-school WWF wrestling interview to challenge their competitors and rally support.
“We don’t take ourselves too seriously all the time,” Montez said. “But this is a chance to get out there, have fun, and support an important cause that benefits a lot of people.”
Statewide, Special Olympics Colorado has set a fundraising goal of $780,000 for the 2025 Polar Plunge events. The Boulder Polar Plunge is expected to play a significant role in reaching that target, with local law enforcement agencies and community members actively participating to support the cause.
Those interested in participating in the event can register online until the day of the event. There is an $80 fundraising minimum for participants ($50 for students and athletes). Spectators are welcome to watch the event for free. For more information about how to donate or get involved, visit https://p2p.onecause.com/2025boulderplunge/home.
