ST. PAUL, Minn. – Dave Larson, President/CEO of Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, was recently appointed to the board of directors of Special Olympics Minnesota. He will serve a three-year term and help provide oversight, strategic direction, and help ensure resources for Special Olympics Minnesota, the CU said.
Larson has been involved with Special Olympics for more than 15 years, specifically through the Polar Plunge, where individuals across Minnesota raise money to jump into frozen lakes during the winter months. All funds raised from Polar Plunge support more than 8,000 Special Olympics athletes across Minnesota. Through the “Executive Plunge” events for business leaders, Larson has raised more than $69,000 in five years, the CU said.
“I love the message of inclusion and how that brings people and communities together,” Larson said. “The athletes of Special Olympics inspire me with their passion for life and their care and commitment to their fellow athletes.” Larson said that he was “hooked” into this organization from the first time he attended a Special Olympics Minnesota figure skating competition in 2004. He was struck by the competitiveness of the event, and how all the athletes cheer so passionately for their fellow competitors. “In sports today, it’s often such a divisive environment; I’m drawn to the inclusivity,” Larson said. “With each event and each interaction with the athletes, I just learn so much.” Affinity Plus officially partnered with Special Olympics as a “charity of choice” in 2003, and as an organization, has been part of the Polar Plunge since 2007. Participation has grown from 35 plungers in 2007 to more than 140 annually in recent years. In 2018 Affinity Plus also participated in the special Super Bowl Plunge on Nicollet Mall. Each year Affinity Plus employees volunteer at various Special Olympics Minnesota events, including track & field, basketball and bocce ball tournaments, the CU said.
In 2019 the board of directors will support Special Olympics Minnesota’s goals to improve opportunities for athletes to perform at their best, build positive attitudes for people with intellectual disabilities, and build capacity to support the organization’s goals.