Opinion: Taking the plunge for Special Olympics Oregon

Published 9:49 am Friday, January 17, 2025

Let’s take the plunge! Then, let’s do it again and again and again.

The Special Olympics Super Plunge is something I have kept on my radar for years. It’s a fundraiser for Special Olympics Oregon where participants jump into the Willamette River in late February, not just once, but once an hour for 24 straight hours.

Yes, it’s a wild idea. But I’m ready to take the plunge(s) with other SOOR supporters and athletes this year. Of course, the point is not to simply experience a process of freezing, thawing and refreezing in the river. Along with the Polar Plunge, it’s the most important fundraiser of the year for Special Olympics Oregon.

I’m the morning anchor of KOIN 6 News and co-host of “AM Extra” on Portland’s CW. Over the years, I’ve been vocal about my support for Special Olympics Oregon. Why? For several reasons. People with intellectual disabilities need these programs. These programs change lives. It’s not just about sports. In fact, sports are often the channel through which the athletes learn essential life skills.

These athletes learning these life skills, preparing for life after school, is my mother’s life’s work. She’s currently in her 37th year working in local public school special education. Her work over the decades has spanned from working with an array of students with different intellectual disabilities. I’m adamant that this work, whether it’s in the classroom as an educator or on a soccer field with SOOR athletes, is the foundation to a thriving life for those with intellectual disabilities.

I’ll also add another personal story. The youngest brother of one of my great friends growing up in Newberg/Dundee — and to this day — has Down syndrome. He’s participated and medaled in a number of sports. I’ve known him since he was a toddler. Today, he’s a confident, healthy and thriving young man. Those are skills and attributes he’s attained through his family and goals he set with SOOR.

(Keep crushing it, Geral!)

If it’s a cause as important to you as it is to me, your donation is greatly appreciated. My goal is to raise $3,000 to go toward providing these athletic programs for our SOOR athletes.

So, again. I hope you can join me when I say, “Let’s take the plunge! Again and again and again!”

Travis Teich is the morning anchor of KOIN 6 News and co-host of “AM Extra” on Portland’s CW.