Rock Island Today

Rep. Dan Swanson completed his third polar plunge on March 12, according to a video he recently shared on Facebook.

The polar plunge is a series of events people attend to support the Special Olympics.

"Polar plunge No. 3 in the past couple of weeks at Bally’s in Rock Island!" Swanson wrote. "Dan was on the Illinois State Police Troop 2 team."

Swanson has served the Illinois General Assembly since January 2017, when he was first sworn in. Then, he was re-elected and sworn in on January 2023 for his second term. 

He served as lieutenant colonel with the Army National Guard for 17 years on the AlWood (Alpha and Woodhull) Board of Education. Next, he served two years on the Henry County Board. 

Today, Swanson remains active in his community as he commemorated those who were involved with the polar plunge. He reportedly enjoyed himself during this year's polar plunge event. 

"Great fun and huge turnout," Swanson said. "Dani Lynn Howe was master of ceremonies again this year and as always did a great job, while surviving the cold and splashes."

The polar plunge is an open event; however, there are a few requirements. All funds raised are donated. The focus was to support young athletes this year.

The event is open to anyone, even those under 18 if they sign a waiver. All funds raised are allocated to programs and events for more than 21,000 traditional athletes and 9,000 young athletes participating in Illinois, according to the Polar Plunge For Special Olympics Illinois. 

The Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge took place at 2 p.m. on March 11. According to KWQC, polar plunges help to raise money for Illinois Special Olympics athletes. So far, the events have raised almost $23,000.