Benton Police Department invites the community to form a team, dress in costumes (optional) and take the plunge at Hurricane Lake in support of Special Olympics Arkansas athletes. The 2019 “Be Bold Get Cold” Saline County Polar Plunge will take place Saturday, Jan. 26. Registration begins at 9 a.m., costume parade and awards at 10 a.m. and the anticipated plunge at 10:15 a.m.
To participate, each team member is required to fundraise a minimum of $50. All proceeds benefit Special Olympics Arkansas, which now has more than 15,000 athletes participating statewide. A common way to fundraise for the event is through www.firstgiving.com. Search for Saline County Polar Plunge 2019, and follow prompts to start a team fundraising page. Donations will also be accepted on the day of the event.
“Donations and sponsorships are an important aspect, but the heart of this event is showing support for the athletes and raising awareness about Special Olympics in general,” said Captain Kevin Russell. “These athletes hold a special place in my heart and in the hearts of all of us at BNPD, and this is why we choose to participate in Polar Plunge and other Special Olympics fundraisers on a regular basis.”
BNPD has a fundraising page set up at firstgiving.com under the team name The Justice League (Saline County). All donations are tax deductible and enable Special Olympics Arkansas to fulfill its mission 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 opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other athletes and the community.
For more information about Special Olympics, visit www.specialolympicsarkansas.com. Contact BNPD at 501-776-5948 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday with questions.