It is that time of the year again when individuals from all across Saline County and Central Arkansas converge into Hurricane Lake in Benton for Special Olympics. It’s called the Polar Plunge and it’s an event where individuals agree to jump into freezing cold waters in exchange for monetary donations to Special Olympics Arkansas.
This is the 5th year for the Polar Plunge event to be held in Saline County at Hurricane Lake Estates. It all begins on Jan. 24th with registration starting at 9:30 AM, awards at 11:00 AM, and the plunge starting at 11:30 AM.
Participants from Saline County, including officers from the Benton Police Department, have long participated in the event in other locations. It was decided five years ago that residents of Saline County have shown such amazing support for the event that it would only be appropriate to host one here to develop more grassroots support.
Donations and sponsorships are an important part of this event, but even more so it’s about raising awareness about what Special Olympics provides to their athletes. The mission of Special Olympics AR is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic type sports for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Special Olympics AR depends on donations and sponsorships to be able to provide year-round events to their athletes free of charge. For more information on Special Olympics please visit: http://www.specialolympicsarkansas.org If you’re interested in supporting a team member for the plunge then please go to: http://www.firstgiving.com/soar/benton-polar-plunge-2015 You may also contact Sgt. Lisa Stuart at lstuart@bentonar.org or Lt. Kevin Russell at kwrussell@bentonar.org for more information.
Link to Online Video PSA: http://youtu.be/RR--LySEwsA
“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt” - Special Olympics Oath
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