GCI’s year-round commitment to Special Olympics Alaska makes a splash at annual Polar Plunge event
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – GCI is proud to continue its role as the presenting sponsor of Special Olympics Alaska (SOAK), a relationship that began in 1999, when GCI played a pivotal role in bringing the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games to Alaska. This long-standing partnership supports year-round programming, including the iconic Polar Plunge event.
This year marks the 16th anniversary of GCI's participation in the Polar Plunge, an event that has become a tradition for both GCI employees and the community.
“As an Alaska-born company, supporting Special Olympics Alaska is at the heart of GCI’s mission to give back to our communities. Our involvement in the Polar Plunge is just one way we can directly engage with and uplift the incredible athletes of SOAK,” said GCI Director of Marketing and Special Olympics Alaska Board Member Michael Schmidt. “It’s an honor to see how our long-standing partnership continues to impact the lives of so many across the state.”
The Polar Plunge raises vital funds for SOAK athletes, with GCI offering exclusive prizes to top fundraisers, including Alaska Airlines miles, Apple AirPods Pro, and even a new smartphone for the top fundraiser. GCI's team is on track to raise $20,000, with standout fundraiser Adam Washburn leading the charge.
The 2024 Polar Plunge event will take place at Goose Lake on December 14, with Team GCI among the first to jump at 10:00 a.m. For the first time this year, parking will be at the UAA Engineering Parking Garage, with shuttles running continuously to the event site. The goal for this year’s event is to raise $250,000, with teams and fundraisers already surpassing that goal.
“We are so grateful to GCI for their unwavering support, not just through the Polar Plunge but year-round. Their dedication allows us to provide free programs and resources to our athletes across the state, helping them reach their full potential,” said Sarah Arts, President & CEO of Special Olympics Alaska. “GCI’s continued involvement is instrumental in making a difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Alaska.”
GCI’s support of Special Olympics Alaska extends beyond financial contributions, with employees volunteering their time throughout the year. This summer, a team of GCI employees participated in Camp Shriver, a two-week sports camp for middle and high school students with and without intellectual disabilities. GCI volunteers served as judges for the talent show, and later helped cook and serve a celebratory buffet for campers and their families, marking a memorable conclusion to the camp.
As a major partner, GCI also contributes matching funds to SOAK through the Pick. Click. Give. Program, effectively doubling the impact of public donations.
For more details about the Polar Plunge and to donate, visit here.
About SOAK
Special Olympics Alaska provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. We provide continuing opportunities for athletes to develop physical fitness, to demonstrate courage, to experience joy and to participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Special Olympics Alaska serves more than 2,000 Special Olympics Alaska athletes in 10 community and 70 school programs across the state.
About GCI Gives
GCI is one of Alaska’s leaders in corporate philanthropy, donating approximately $2 million each year in cash, products and connectivity to organizations across the state. GCI is committed to giving back to the communities it serves and provides employees with 16 hours of paid leave to volunteer with local organizations. In 2023, nearly 500 GCI employees volunteered more than 5,000 hours. For more information about GCI Gives, visit www.gci.com/gcigives.
About GCI
Headquartered in Alaska, GCI provides data, mobile, video, voice and managed services to consumer, business, government, and carrier customers throughout Alaska, serving more than 200 communities. The company has invested more than $4 billion in its Alaska network and facilities over the past 40 years and recently launched true standards-based 5G NR service in Anchorage, now the nation’s northernmost 5G service area. Learn more about GCI at www.gci.com. GCI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Broadband Corporation (Nasdaq: LBRDA, LBRDK, LBRDP). Learn more about Liberty Broadband at http://www.libertybroadband.com.
Media Contact
Josh Edge
Phone: 907-575-3622
Email: jedge@gci.com