By: Danny May
“Freezin for a reason”- that’s how the Special Olympics website describes the Polar Plunge. And they’re not kidding! Every February, people brave enough to take the Polar Plunge jump into the lake at the Hines Center in extremely chilly temperatures, all in the name of raising money for Special Olympics. Participants must raise at least $75 in donations to be eligible to plunge.
“This is the ninth year we’ve done the Polar Plunge at the Hines Center,” says event director Candace Thompson. Last year 233 people took the plunge and raised more than $54,000. The upcoming event is scheduled for February 9th with opening ceremonies at 11 a.m.
But this year, for the first time, kids ages 5-12 can take part in the “Pee Wee Plunge,” which will take place just before the Polar Plunge. “Some parents are reluctant to let their children jump in a freezing cold lake. So we decided to start the Pee Wee Plunge so that kids can still be involved and parents would feel much safer about it,” Thompson explained. “It’s been successful in other places, so we’re trying it here.”
The Pee Wee Plunge is less intense than jumping in the lake. It entails slipping down a giant inflatable slide into a small pool filled with cold water.
There are five other Polar Plunges happening in several other cities in Kentucky, which have collectively contributed over $5 million for Special Olympics Kentucky programs. Money generated from the Polar Plunge is used to put on the various sports programs and competitions throughout the state.
The Special Olympics program is more extensive than most people realize. Thompson explains, “A lot of people ask ‘when is the Special Olympics?’ Well, Special Olympics is actually 15 different sports, which take place both on the local and statewide level.” The summer games are in June and the winter games start in January. There are different divisions according to the athletes’ skill level.
Children with special needs can begin competing in Special Olympics at age nine. There is an introductory program for children under nine to learn the basics of each activity and learn the foundations of the game.
According to Owensboro Special Olympics coach Jeff Johnson, one of the major benefits of being involved in Special Olympics is learning to follow rules and working together as a team. Johnson continued, “These athletes may have some cognitive shortcomings, but they want to compete and compete well. They get after it! And they want to improve and get better at their skills.”
In 2010, Johnson coached a women’s basketball team made up of participants from Owensboro and Bowling Green who won the gold medal at the national Special Olympics competition. In 2006, he coached the Owensboro men’s basketball team that won the silver medal in the national competition.
But some of the rewards are even better than the medals. The socialization that comes along from being on a team is also a great reason to be involved. I saw this firsthand when I witnessed my first Special Olympics event last May: the weightlifting competition at Apollo High School. It truly was one of the most inspirational things I’ve ever seen. For me, the camaraderie of the Special Olympics community is what makes it so meaningful. It’s the smiles on the athletes and the joy on their parents’ faces. It’s the coaches, volunteers, friends, family and other athletes all cheering them on. Because for that moment it’s not about their disabilities; it’s about their abilities. They are doing their best and reaching their goals and smiling all the way. What’s better than that?
That’s what those brave, shivering souls are supporting with the Polar Plunge. Everyone who lines up on the docks at the Hines Center will be helping Kentucky Special Olympics carry on our local tradition that has benefited hundreds of families in Owensboro over the years. Their bodies might be cold, but they’ll be warming some hearts.
So if you or your young ones are up for it, come to the Hines Center on February 9th to take the plunge. They say it’s quite a shock!