By Allison Peck
Listen to the full interview with Nate Veal on our Kubota Podcast
NORTH PLATTE — The 2026 Polar Plunge will return to North Platte on March 7, raising money to support Special Olympics Nebraska and its 7,600 athletes statewide.
Sergeant Nate Veal with the Nebraska State Patrol said the event is part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, a longstanding partnership between law enforcement and Special Olympics.
The Torch Run began in the 1980s when a Kansas police chief and several officers organized a run to raise funds for Special Olympics. What started as a small local effort has grown into the largest grassroots law enforcement fundraiser in the world.
Here in Nebraska, the State Patrol and first responders across the state help coordinate fundraising efforts throughout the year, including the Polar Plunge.
“The athletes, they need help with expenditures,” Veal said. “It’s not cheap to participate. Special Olympics offers healthy athletes, which includes medical checks every year, things like that. And it gives them a place to be unified, to participate, to show their skills.”
Funds raised help offset costs so families are not solely responsible for expenses tied to training, competitions and programming.
This year’s Polar Plunge theme is “We’re Eating Cold for Breakfast.”
Participants can register online at sone.org and sign up as individuals or teams. Plungers must raise a minimum of $50 to participate. Those who raise $75 will receive a limited-edition long-sleeve event shirt.
North Platte’s plunge will take place at Iron Horse Park, commonly referred to as Caboose Lake. Registration begins at 10 a.m., with the plunge scheduled for 11 a.m.
A post-plunge gathering will follow at Axes and Aces.
Veal said while the event is fun and often includes friendly competition among communities and agencies, the focus remains on supporting athletes across Nebraska.
“This actually has a purpose and a meaning,” he said. “It’s a small sacrifice for the athletes across Nebraska who don’t always have the easiest path in life.”
Six plunge events are scheduled across Nebraska this season, with all funds contributing to Special Olympics Nebraska.
Those who do not wish to participate in the plunge can donate to a team or individual online.
Organizers are also encouraging community members to share event information on social media to help expand outreach efforts.
Registration details and additional information are available at sone.org.