Special Olympics South Dakota invites you to raise money and awareness by taking part in the annual Sioux Falls Polar Plunge to be held at J&L Harley-Davidson in Sioux Falls Friday, April 14. This year’s theme is “Back to the ‘80s.” and everyone is invited to break out their best ‘80s outfits for this Polar Plunge.

On-site registration for the Polar Plunge will take place at J&L Harley-Davidson (2601 W 60th St. N.) beginning at 5:00 PM with the Plunge at 7:30 PM.

Get our free mobile app

'Freezin' for a Reason': 25th Annual Sioux Falls Polar Plunge!

The Polar Plunge directly benefits more than 2,750 Special Olympics athletes throughout South Dakota and plays a vital role in ensuring that an ever-growing number of children and adults with intellectual disabilities continue to benefit from no-cost participation in life-changing sports, health, education, and leadership programs.

The confidence and self-worth these individuals gain by their participation carry over into everything they do, from the classroom to work, from their homes, and into the community. And if you're thinking Special Olympics is just about track events, think again!

Special Olympics activities also include basketball, bowling, swimming, powerlifting, soccer, and equestrian events too, all at no cost to the athletes or their families. This remarkable program is celebrating its 55th Anniversary this year. It was founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver as a way to explore differently-abled children's sports and activity skills.

All Polar Plunge participants are asked to raise a minimum of $100 ($50 for students and Special Olympics athletes) in pledges before taking an icy dip to demonstrate their commitment to the cause, with incentives presented to those who go above and beyond in their fundraising.

Plungers can register as individuals or gather friends, family members, co-workers, or others and register as a team.

You can also register as a "Virtual Plunger" to raise money and then post your Plunge video to social media using #PlungeSD.

Spectators and guests are welcome to watch and join the festivities too. There will be music, two food trucks, and of course - -beer!

There will be awards for best costume and group challenges too. So, dress up, dress down, wear costumes, wigs, hats- -whatever trips your trigger. And, if you're having second thoughts right before you jump into that icy water, imagine the warm smiles, hugs, and thanks of all of the hardworking Special Athletes you're supporting.

Then get ready to be "Freezin' for a Reason"!

If you'd prefer to avoid the "plunge", donate to other teams or just donate and watch in a toasty warm jacket with a cold beer in your hand, knowing that you're doing something wonderful!

The Special Olympics South Dakota 2023 Polar Plunge is presented by the Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics South Dakota and is sponsored statewide by RPM Companies, J&L Harley-Davidson, South Dakota Pork Council, Midco, and Black Hills Harley-Davidson.

Online registration and more info are available at Special Olympics South Dakota.

The Ultimate Sioux Falls Visitor's Guide: A to Z

Sioux Falls has lots to explore; fun stuff for the whole family, food of every kind, educational opportunities, and more! If you have out-of-town guests visiting, show them around our city. Eat at places they've never eaten. Take them to places they'd never go. Take some great photos to post on social media (and don't forget the hashtag #HiFromSiouxFalls). We've even listed some cool hotels where they can stay if you don't have the room.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota. We call it the 'Sioux Empire.' It's the biggest city in the state with a population of nearly 200,000. We’re known for our namesake, Falls Park, along the Big Sioux River. Sioux Falls has received numerous accolades for its quality of life. We have been named the number one best place to rent in America. We’ve topped the list of Best States to Find a Job. Sioux Falls is the Best City in America for Young Professionals. 

We've appeared on lists such as Most Charming Small CitiesTop 10 Place to Raise Kids, and even ranked 10th in the 2020 Top 100 Best Places to Live. We have an abundance of achievements and you can see them on the Sioux Falls Development Foundation's website.

It's a pretty awesome city and that's why we think you should come and visit. If you're coming on business or pleasure, we've put together a list of places to go and things to see. We know you want to explore the attractions the city is known for like Falls Park, the Arc of Dreams, and the Sculpture Walk, but there's a lot more to see and do than just the touristy (that's really a word) stuff. The best places to go are where the locals go and we have a not your average, ordinary visitor's guide. 

Here's a list of over 100 things to do and places to go in Sioux Falls.

Click HERE for a list of all the places we mention and links to each one. Print it out or save it to your phone and use it as a reference when you're visiting. See you soon!

More From KIKN-FM / Kickin' Country 99.1/100.5