Form a team, dress in coordinated costumes, and jump into Hurricane Lake with law enforcement officers while showing support for the Special Olympics of Arkansas. The 2017 “Freezin’ For A Reason” Saline County Polar Plunge will be held on Saturday, Jan. 28 with registration at 9 a.m., costume parade and awards presentation at 10 a.m., and at 10:15 a.m. the plunge into Hurricane Lake will begin.
“This is your chance to gather a group of your friends or co-workers to form a team,” said Captain Kevin Russell with the Benton Police Department. “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. Special Olympic athletes hold a special place in my heart and that is why I choose to participate in events such as the Polar Plunge on an annual basis now. My reasoning is this; if I can sustain a brief plunge in freezing water to help fund some of their year-round events than it was more than worth it.”
To participate in the Polar Plunge, each team member has to fundraise a minimum of $50, and all proceeds will benefit more than 15,000 athletes statewide participating in Special Olympics Arkansas. One way to fundraise is though www.firstgiving.com by typing Saline County Polar Plunge 2017 and starting a team fundraising page. Donations will also be accepted on the day of the event.
The Benton Police Department team – The Justice League – is also fundraising for the Polar Plunge. To make a donation or to become a sponsorship, visit www.firstgiving.com, type Justice League in the search bar (or Saline County Polar Plunge 2017, click the Special Olympics Arkansas logo and the Justice League team will be displayed along with individual page of the BNPD team). Or call the BNPD at (501) 776-5948. Information and a link will also be provided at the Benton Police Department Facebook page. Donations are also 100 percent tax deductible. Special Olympics Arkansas depends on donations and sponsorships to be able to provide year-round events to their athletes free of charge.
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.
For more information about Special Olympics please visit www.specialolympicsarkansas.com.
“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” – Special Olympics Oath.
Link to the Benton Police Department “Justice League” fundraising page: http://www.firstgiving.com/team/339861
Follow BNPD on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Benton-Police-Department/221829174560849