Special Olympics Event Attracts Veteran Polar Plunger
Author: mt43news staff reporter
MT43 News Staff Reporter
Last week in the parking lot of the new Town Pump in East Helena, hundreds of Special Olympians and their supporters cheered and hooted while Phillip Holcombe of Helena dove belly-first into a huge pool of icy water. The plunge was Holcombe’s 22nd time at diving for Special Olympians.
Holcombe first began his support of the group in 2004 when he was matched with a best buddy, “Travis,” when they were in high school. “Travis and I have been best buddies ever since,” he explained.
Holcombe is a welder with his own business in Helena who has perfected his signature belly flop. He praised the supporters and athletes who train for Special Olympics. “These folks are near and dear to my heart. If they can be so dedicated and passionate about what they accomplish, so can I,” he said.
Montana Special Olympics Sweetheart Polar Plunge, a major fundraising event organized by Law Enforcement Torch Run. Supporters and special needs people alike jump in a huge pool with floating ice, outside, only to raise awareness and funds for Montana’s special needs folks. Law Enforcement Torch Run, started in 1981, is now a global organization. According to Melissa Nichols, coordinator for the event, her group heads the annual Torch Run for the Special Olympians as well as the many plunge events held across Montana. The East Helena event is one of the most successful.
Ten teams from a wide group of businesses and nonprofits participated in the event in 60-degree weather. Sixty-three people took the plunge, then jumped in the hot tub provided by the East Helena Fire Department. The event raised around $13,000. Each team is tasked with raising pledge money before they participate in the event.
Glendale, East Helena and Lewis & Clark Fire Departments were on hand, as well as East Helena Police Department and Lewis & Clark Sheriff’s Office.
Major supporters of the event are General Distributing, Murdock’s, Opportunity Bank, Carroll College and Westmont. Also involved were East Helena VFW Post 10010, Aspen Dental and Sleeping Giant Lanes.
Article Images
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PhotoCredit: Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
Image 1 Caption: Veteran Polar Plunger Phillip Holcombe in his signature belly flop.
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
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Image 2 Caption: Two guys and their sweethearts take the plunge.
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
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Image 3 Caption: Lewis & Clark County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard presents the flags.
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
Image 4 Caption: Helena Halos Special Olympics Athlete, Tanner Davis, presents the torch, accompanied by Lewis & Clark Sheriff's Deputy Alicia Bragg. Emceeing the event was Torch Run Director Sargeant Domingo Leveque-Zapata.
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
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