The Special Olympics has been around for many years-
encouraging and strengthening disabled children and adults all across the
country. It is an international program of year-round sports training and
athletic competition for more than one million children and adults with
intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics believes that through sports
training and competition, people with intellectual disabilities benefit
physically, mentally, socially and spiritually; families are strengthened; and
the community at large, both through participation and observation, is united
with people with intellectual disabilities in an environment of equality, respect
and acceptance.
On February 2, the local Owensboro affiliate of Special Olympics will host their
annual Polar Bear Plunge, where participants will take an icy dive into the Hines Center
Lake. The day will be jam
packed with fun for all participants. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with the
Opening Ceremony kicking off at 11 a.m. The wacky parade of costumed “Polar
Bears” ushers in the start of the event and the costume contest. The Costume
Contest will attract some of the funniest sights of the day! Past Plunges have
featured a Plunging Elvis, a male Little Mermaid, Penguins, and several other
unique characters!
Starting at 11:30 a.m., the “Polar Bears” will “take the
plunge” into the frigid waters of the Hines Center’s
lake. Following their artic expedition, a post-plunge bash will be held in the Hines Center
ballroom to celebrate. Games and food await these “Polar Bears” as they dry off
and warm up. Awards such as the largest group, best costume, and oldest “Polar
Bear” will be presented at the awards ceremony (sponsored by Texas Roadhouse)
capping off this day of fun!
Want to be a “Polar Bear” yourself
and take the plunge? All you have to do is sign up. There is no entrance fee,
but you must collect at least $50 to participate. You can also plunge as a
team. Make it even more fun by plunging with a group of friends or co-workers
(teams should consist of 8 or more “bears”)!
As an incentive, the more money you
or your team raise, the more prizes you win. T-shirts, towels, duffel bags, and
fleece pullovers are just a few of the prizes available. The top collectors
will be entered into a drawing for the Grand Prize: a Carnival Cruise vacation!
As another incentive, the top fundraising male and female will be honored as
the official 2008 Polar Bear Plunge King and Queen and will receive a prize
package full of exciting gifts!
Don’t want to take the plunge
yourself? No problem! You can still participate by sponsoring a “Polar Bear” or
giving a general donation. For more information visit www.soky.org and click on
the Owensboro Polar Bear Plunge link on the left.
Last year, six locations across the state, with 2,100 “Polar
Bears” participating, raised more than $475,000 for the Special Olympics
programs in Kentucky.
Specifically, the Owensboro Polar Bear Plunge had 119 Polar Bears participate,
raising over $26,000! Established in Louisville
in 1999, the Polar Bear Plunge has since become the Special Olympics signature
event across the country. This year the Polar Bear Plunge celebrates their 10th
anniversary! Let’s help make this year’s Owensboro Polar Bear Plunge even more
successful and memorable!
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