Ben’s Story: Special Olympics Oregon and the Annual Polar Plunge

Earlier this year, Community Pathways (CPI) staff members formed a team to participate in their first Polar Plunge event. They ended up raising over $1,000 for Special Olympics Oregon in honor of late coworker and friend, Katie Dunn, who had competed with Special Olympics for many years.

Another member of CPI’s community who we recently learned participates in the annual Polar Plunge is Ben Fields. In addition to raising money for Special Olympics Oregon by doing this event, Ben also works full-time at Special Olympics Oregon!

From the Polar Plunge to the Super Plunge

This was Ben’s third year doing the Polar Plunge and his first year doing the Super Plunge. What is the difference? Ben explains that while each participant in the regular Polar Plunge only has to raise a minimum of $60 and go in the water one time, people doing the Super Plunge have to raise at least $3,000 dollars and go in the water 24 times in 24 hours. While Ben participated in this year’s event as an individual, he shares that he went into the water together with a group of people who work for one of the main sponsors of and fundraisers for this year’s Polar Plunge.

Ben first learned about the Polar Plunge many years ago as as an athlete with Special Olympics Oregon. He says he was initially motivated to do it by his mom who loves the water. Now, he participates because he works at Special Olympics Oregon. While he notes that his sleep suffered doing the 24-hour Super Plunge, he “made it through to the other side.”

Would he recommend other people participate in the Polar Plunge? “This is a good question,” he responds, adding, “A lot of people would look at me blankly and say ‘You’re crazy!’ Am I? Maybe a little. But…You’re not submerging your entire body into the water. You can go in as far or as little as you want. And, there is a dive team there to make sure you don’t go out too far.” Asked if he has any tips for first time plungers, he says: “My biggest tip is to wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet – breathable, dry fit clothes.” He also points out that, “You will feel good knowing you raised money for a good cause no matter how cold you may be afterwards.”

Athlete, Employee, and Advocate

Competing in Special Olympics Oregon

Not only does Ben work at Special Olympics Oregon and help raise money for the organization, he is also an experienced athlete. He has been competing with Special Olympics Oregon for about 16 years, since he was around 10 years old. And he still competes today!

This past year, Ben did Powerlifting for the first time and competed in Bocce Ball and Volleyball during the three seasons offered: Winter, Summer, and Fall.

Working at Special Olympics Oregon

March 1, 2025, marked Ben’s second year working at Special Olympics Oregon. Currently, he works on the Development team that focuses on special events, grants, donations, government relations, sponsorships, and marketing among other things. Ben notes that he works “mostly in the field of Special Events, including the Polar Plunge.” Before he took his current position in Development, Ben shares that he “worked on the Programs side recruiting athletes and processing medicals as well as reaching out to new potential volunteers.” Asked how he got his start at Special Olympics Oregon, Ben explains that his original position was an athlete role and had found out about an open position from his former Soccer coach. “So I sent in my resume, and shortly after I was called for an interview, and not long after got the job offer.”

Advocating for Special Olympics Oregon

During his time working at Special Olympics Oregon, Ben has also gained experience lobbying for funding at the state and federal level and sits on both the Oregon and the U.S. Athlete Leadership Councils. He explains that these councils are made up of athletes “who voice their opinions on different happenings within Special Olympics.”

When it comes to what Ben enjoys most about his work and advocacy, he shares: “I really enjoy being able to interact with the athletes as well as feel like what I am doing is having a positive impact on their lives.”