The annual Polar Plunge – a fundraiser for the Special Olympics Kansas – is planned Saturday at Schlitterbahn water park at 94th and State Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas.
The event Jan. 27 is the first of 11 plunges throughout the state and will include a 5k fun run, costume contest based on the theme, “Get Your Cool On,” and the plunge.
The event opens at 8 a.m. with the Polar Strut, and the Polar Plunge will be at 9:45 a.m. at Schlitterbahn. For more details and to sign up to participate, visit http://www.plungeks.org/.
The fundraising goal for the Kansas City, Kan., plunge is $100,000. Money raised will go toward providing sports and health and wellness programs for nearly 5,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities in Kansas, according to a spokesman.
“The Polar Plunge is the signature fundraising event for Special Olympics Kansas and our sponsor the Kansas Law Enforcement Torch Run. Funds raised from the multi-community event allow Special Olympics Kansas to host various screenings, trainings and competitions in each region in Kansas,” Luke Schulte, vice president of development and liaison for the Kansas Law Enforcement Torch Run, said.
To participate in the plunge, and receive a commemorative t-shirt, individuals may sign up on plungeks.org and either donate or raise a minimum of $75. Plungers are encouraged to go above and beyond the minimum and have the opportunity to receive incentives for reaching higher goals. The minimum for the fun run, and commemorative scarf, is $30.
Businesses and corporations may form teams, and individuals who would like to donate but do not want to jump into the cold water can still register as a “chicken,” raise funds and receive the same incentives the plungers receive.
“Everyone should consider joining the Polar Plunge,” Schulte said. “You don’t have to take the leap if the water is too cold for you. Consider being a chicken; raise the cash, but don’t take the splash. The main thing is to show your support of Special Olympics Kansas and our athletes.”
Schulte said Special Olympics Kansas is looking to build communities of inclusion. If individuals cannot take the plunge he encourages them to consider making a donation at plungeks.org or volunteer at one of the many events held throughout the year.
Special Olympics Kansas is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports competitions, health and nutrition programs and leadership development. Offering year-round initiatives to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, a spokesman said, Special Olympics Kansas is a platform for acceptance and inclusion as well as one of the largest advocates for healthy lifestyles in the state – regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or cultural differences.