Take the chilly plunge, support a good cause: Special Olympics Oregon’s Bend Polar Plunge set for Saturday

(Update: Adding video, KTVZ.COM Poll, local law enforcement involvement)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) Officers from the Bend and Redmond police departments and the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office will gather at Riverbend Park on Saturday morning with family, friends and fans for the annual Polar Plunge. The event serves as a major fundraiser for the Special Olympics.

The tradition has been held annually in Bend since 2007 to support the Special Olympics, an organization that provides sports for people with intellectual disabilities. This year, participants will dive into river water that is currently measuring about 36 degrees.

Between all participating departments, more than $10,000 has been raised for the organization this year alone. This fundraising total fuels a friendly competition between the agencies, as the amount raised determines the order in which teams enter the river.

Detective Dallas Wilson of the Bend Police Department said the competition adds to the event's energy. "Whoever raises the most money gets to go into the water first," Wilson said Friday. "So the excitement of trying to raise that money so you can go in and out the quickest. It's pretty. It's very fun."

While some may be hesitant about the cold, some participants embrace the low temperatures.

Geoff Sundberg, a deputy with the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, described himself as a person who enjoys cold-water challenges like ice baths.

"For me, I am a sucker for punishment. I love cold water. So between ice baths and jumping in the river, it's exciting," Sundberg said. "I think there's so much adrenaline flowing. So you get out there, you plunge in there, and you just get a sense of accomplishment."

Registration remains open for community members who wish to join the law enforcement teams. To participate in either the 5K run or the plunge, individuals must fundraise or donate $60. Those who wish to participate in both events are required to raise $100.

April Huey, administration lieutenant for the Redmond Police Department, highlighted the community impact of the gathering.

"It's a great day of fun, meeting lots of new people, and supporting a great cause, the Special Olympics," Huey said.

The Polar Plunge will take place Saturday morning at Riverbend Park. Results and footage from the event will be featured during the weekend news broadcasts.

You can register online here.