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Polar Plunge in Winona raises funds for Special Olympics

Winona Daily News - 4/4/2024

Apr. 4—*

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Rachel Mergen

Supporting Special Olympics was the goal Monday afternoon as community members plunged into chilly water at Winona State University on an already cold and rainy April day.

The Polar Plunge, brought to Winona by Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union and Winona State University, was one of more than 25 plunges scheduled in Minnesota this year to raise funds for Special Olympics Minnesota.

A large, red water-filled mobile plunge unit was used on the campus to make the Polar Plunge possible.

"Affinity Plus has had a growing partnership with the university over the past couple years. We have our new campus branch located here, so we've been excited to just expand that partnership," Baumann said. "Affinity Plus has also been a long-time sponsor of Special Olympics, so we thought let's just marry the three of them together and have this great event here."

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Baumann explained why Special Olympics is so important to Affinity Plus.

"Special Olympics is something that is near and dear to the credit union. As a not-for-profit organization, we always look for a way to give back to our community, and so what better way than to support the athletes who put it all out there and do such a great job," Baumann said. "We always try to be an inclusive partner, so the Special Olympics was just a perfect match for us."

The duo admitted that they were nervous before jumping in.

"But it was great," Linville said.

Hugunin, who works for Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, said that it was her third time participating in the Polar Plunge.

"It's a really easy way to get involved and help give back," Hugunin said.

Linville had never participated in a Polar Plunge before, but the duo enjoyed the chance to be able to support Special Olympics specifically.

"I love special Olympics and what they do and just wanted to support them," Linville said.

Hugunin believes that Special Olympics offers participants a chance to grow their confidence and acknowledge that they are able to do more than what a majority of society may believe that they can.

Through working for Affinity Plus, Hugunin said that she's been able to meet some Special Olympic athletes and learn how much the opportunity has positively impacted their lives.

Linville also shared that she saw the positive impact Special Olympics had on people she went to school with.

To learn more about the Polar Plunge in Minnesota and to donate, visit www.plungemn.org.

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Rachel Mergen

News Reporter

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