Gilbertsville, Ky. – The Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics marks its eighth year in Western Kentucky on Saturday, February 18, when this chilly event hits the water once again at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park.
The time to register for this year’s event is NOW! More than 500 are expected to return to the park and take a frigid dip in Kentucky Lake. The Plunge works just like a walk-athon with Polar Bears raising a “bear” minimum of $75 ($50 for Junior Polar Bears, those between the ages of six and 18) to earn the right to plunge. Every Polar Bear receives an official Polar Plunge T-shirt and Polar Bear Club Certificate, but participants who raise more money can earn even better rewards.
New this year is the Polar Triple Crown Challenge! The challenge consists of participants completing three challenges: 1) Polar 5k, 2) the traditional “Jump-In” from a dock, and 3) New this year, a “Run-In” from the old beach area. However, as always, participants can also choose to do just one of any of the aforementioned events.
There will be prizes given for top fundraising individuals and top fundraising groups.. There will also be the annual costume contest, which is always one of the highlights of one of the craziest events of the winter.
People who want to support the Polar Plunge, but not jump or run can register as “Too Chicken to Plunge” and raise money. They receive a special Too Chicken to Plunge Tshirt and are eligible for all other fundraising prizes.
Events begin on Friday, February 17, with Polar Plunge 5k packet pick up and Polar Plunge Early Check-In from 4 – 6 p.m. at the Kentucky Dam Village Convention Center. Participants can turn in all remaining money, get their number and/or wristband they will need to participate on Saturday and pick up their T-shirt and select other fundraising prizes while avoiding lines on Plunge day.
Polar Plunge 5k Race Day check-in will be from 7:30-8:45 am with the Polar Plunge 5k starting at 9 am. Polar Plunge check-in opens from 9-10:45 am with opening ceremonies and costume contest from 10:45 am until 11:30 am. The Plunge begins at approximately 11:30 and should run until about 1 pm.
The Western Kentucky Polar Plunge is one of five that will be held statewide this year. Other events will take place in Lake Cumberland, Lexington, Louisville and Northern Kentucky (Bellevue). Last year, the Western KY Polar Plunge raised over $99,000.
All funds raised by the Polar Plunge go to support the more than 7,800 children and adults with intellectual disabilities who participate in Special Olympics programs in Kentucky and the more than 2,000 volunteers who help run those programs statewide.
Special Olympics is the world’s largest program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Participation in competitive events is open to all individuals eight years of age or older. Training and competition in local, area, state, and national programs is offered year-round in Kentucky in 15 sports. In addition to its traditional sports competitions, Special Olympics also offers early childhood programming through the Young Athletes Program and medical screenings though the Healthy Athletes Initiative. Special Olympics Kentucky has been changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in Kentucky for 45 years.
For more information about the Polar Plunge, contact Laura Miller, West Regional Director, at 270-293-9054 or via e-mail at lmiller@soky.org, or visit www.kentuckyplunge.com.