PLAYING FOR UNITY

Feb., 15 2020
World-class Special Olympics runner joins Peoria Polar Plunge
By: Allison Owen

Born partially blind, with an intellectual disability and clubbed feet,

Special Olympics star Loretta Claiborne makes a big impact and joins Peoria
residents at their 2nd annual Polar Plunge.

Special Olympics Illinois invited Claiborne to help host this year’s

Polar Plunge. Born in 1953, Claiborne underwent many surgeries to help
with her disabilities that prohibited her from walking until she was a four-
year-old. By the time she was 17, Claiborne competed as a runner at the
1970 Special Olympics, where she received her first medal. Since then, Clai-
borne has spent decades participating and winning in many Special Olym-
pics world games, with over 5 gold medals in running and bowling. Plungers get ready to take a dive into the freez-
ing cold water for Peoria’s 2nd annual Polar
Dressed in silly costumes, like Disney and Marvel characters, Peoria resi- Plunge.
dents gathered to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois. Claiborne was
one of the hundreds that cheered on the residents of Peoria who jumped into
the freezing cold water on Saturday in Dozer Park. Plungers took donations
from family and friends to help raise money for this event. Directly follow-
ing the event, Claiborne was invited to give a speech thanking members of
the community for their dedication to raising money for this organization.

“Not only does this raise money for a cause close to my heart, but it brings a
community together to do it and I think that is really important,” Claiborne
said. “I feel honored that I get to be here and speak about an organization
that has changed my life in so many ways.”

Polar Plunge participants were invited to take pictures with and talk to Clai-
borne at the conclusion of her speech.

“Seeing someone as inspirational as Loretta Claiborne here really reminds

me what this whole event is about,” said fellow spectator Matthew Liska. “I
can’t wait to come back next year and participate in another Polar Plunge for
a great cause!”

Claiborne has since announced her plans to return to Peoria annually to cheer on participants of this event.

Following the event, Special Olympics Illinois has announced that this year’s event at Dozer park has raised over
$30,000. All money raised will go to help fund future athletic events and equipment.

“All of the donations go to helping athletes like me continue doing so free of charge” Claiborne said. “Special
Olympics has changed my life and I don’t know where I would be without it!”