By: Kelly Bondurant, Freelance Writer for Hire
Held on a chilly morning earlier this month, the 2018 Special Olympics Vance County Polar Plunge saw a total of 53 courageous people brave the freezing water of Kerr Lake.
The sixth annual event took place on Saturday, February 3 and began at 9:30 am with participants checking-in at the Satterwhite Point Glass House. Participants were required to raise at least $30 to take part in the plunge. Hot cocoa and a t-shirt were provided to all plungers, with additional t-shirts being sold to assist fundraising efforts.
Participants were asked to come dressed to impress, with costumes highly encouraged. Rules included no wetsuits allowed, tennis or water shoes required and warm, dry clothes to change into recommended.
Before the lake plunge began, prizes were awarded for best individual and team costume, most money raised by both an individual and a team and largest team.
The contest was followed by the main event-the icy plunge into the lake. Vance County Special Olympics Local Coordinator Crystal Allen reported that participants did everything from sticking their toes in the water to running in.
The event raised over $7,000 for the Special Olympics, with proceeds going directly to equipment, uniforms and supplies for Vance County athletes.
“We are so appreciative that you have helped us to fulfill our goals,” Allen said. “We hope to have even more participation next year!”
Special Olympics North Carolina is a non-profit amateur sports organization offering year-round training and competition in 19 Olympic-type sports to nearly 40,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The organization relies on generous support from individuals, businesses, and foundations to provide services.
According to the Special Olympics North Carolina website, approximately $2.57 million dollars has been raised for athletes in NC since 2000. These funds were raised by over 46,000 donors and made possible by over 5,000 fundraising events.
“Special Olympics strives to provide children and adults with intellectual disabilities hope for a healthier, longer and more fulfilling life through sports training and competition that keeps them engaged in regular physical activity within a structured peer network,” said Allen. “Through participation in Special Olympics, our athletes build self-confidence and improve their overall health and well-being.”
Anyone interested in volunteering, donating or coaching a Special Olympics sport is asked to contact Allen at (252) 431-6091. “Without volunteers from the community, we could not provide a program for our local athletes,” Allen said.
Allen thanks all who made the fundraiser successful, “On behalf of the local committee, athletes and community participants of Special Olympics Vance County, I would like to offer a sincere thank you for your generous contribution to our annual Polar Plunge.”
Mark your calendar for next February’s Polar Plunge, get your friends or co-workers together to form a team and plan to wear your best lake-diving costume.