Polar Plunge Special Olympics Fundraiser Set For February 21

Polar Plunge Special Olympics Fundraiser Set For February 21

Published on January 26, 2026

The Parks and Recreation Department invites community members to support the Lincoln Shooting Stars Special Olympics team by participating, donating, or cheering for plungers in the Polar Plunge fundraiser Saturday, February 21. The event will take place at 11 a.m. on the north shore of Holmes Lake, 70th Street and Normal Boulevard.

The Polar Plunge is an annual event that challenges participants to show support for Special Olympics Nebraska by plunging into a lake in winter. Those who run into the icy waters raise money by collecting pledges from family, friends and coworkers. Plungers are encouraged to form teams, dress in costume and share their experience by using hashtag #BeBoldGetCold. Prizes are awarded for creativity and fundraising. All proceeds from the Polar Plunges go to support the athletes of Special Olympics Nebraska.

Colleen O'Brien, Easterday Recreation Center Director, said the Lincoln Shooting Stars program provides social gatherings for 11 different sports that encourage building team unity, joy, courage, skills, and friendship. Donations from the Polar Plunge help provide uniforms, equipment, tournament related expenses, and special events, all helping support the more than 275 Shooting Star athletes, unified partners, and coaches.

The Parks and Recreation "Just Keep Plunging" team includes Maggie Stuckey-Ross, Department Director and volunteer basketball coach; Colleen O'Brien, Recreation Center Director; David Ross, volunteer basketball coach; Kerry Zingg and Dorothy Skorupa, retired LPR staff directors; and six other community members.

To support the plunging team and Lincoln Shooting Stars, visit

• classy.org/team/794959

For information about the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Special Olympics team, Lincoln Shooting Stars, visit lincoln.ne.gov/City/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/Programs/LSS-Special-Olympics.

For more information about Special Olympics Lincoln Polar Plunge: https://www.sone.org/events/law-enforcement-torch-run/polar-plunge/lincoln-plunge-2026.html