Erik Paulsen: “Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to celebrate the cold winter in Minnesota by getting together with hundreds of…”

“Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to celebrate the cold winter in Minnesota by getting together with hundreds of others and jumping through a hole in the ice and into a freezing lake. Now, while some may think that many Minnesotans consider this normal recreational activity in the winter, it actually was to raise money for a very worthwhile cause. The Polar Plunge, which takes place throughout Minnesota and other areas of the country all winter long, raises millions of dollars for the Special Olympics programs. This important funding allows more than 7,200 Special Olympics athletes in Minnesota to grow and thrive through a variety of competitions. I want to thank our State's law enforcement for organizing the plunges, Channel 9's Ian Leonard for giving his selfless time and energy to support this cause and events, to all those who pledged their support for the participants, and of course, those who are crazy enough to jump in the middle of the winter through a hole in the ice. Mr. Speaker, I want to offer and congratulate the support for the Special Olympics, an organization that is truly life-changing for its participants and their families. ____________________”