Polar Plunge set for VCSP this weekend

Participants help raise money for Special Olympics Arkansas

The annual Polar Plunge is scheduled for Saturday at Lake Dunn in Village Creek State Park.

The Area 8 Special Olympics Polar Plunge will begin with registration at 11 a.m., with plungers hitting the water at noon, according to Joey Astin, director of the St. Francis Area Developmental Center. Area 8 covers St. Francis, Phillips, Lee, Monroe and Cross counties.

"It's a great fundraiser for a great cause, not only in Area 8, but statewide,” said Astin. “We certainly hope it's going to be cold.”

Although the current forecast calls for Saturday to be sunny with a high slightly above 50, after this past week’s snow and ice storm, which saw temperatures plummet into the teens and low 20s, the water will be cold.

Those planning to plunge are encouraged to seek pledges from friends, family and others to help raise money for Special Olympics.

"Historically, we've had great participation from this area," said Astin, adding that over $3,000 was raised during last year’s plunge.

Astin said the fundraiser supports the adult and school programs in the area.

"They look forward to the events when we can host them," said Astin.

According to Astin, prizes will be awarded for groups and individuals who raise the most funds. "We give the best costume in group and individual as well," he said.

“Those who raise money will earn raffle tickets that will be entered into a drawing to be held at the end of the plunge season," said Astin. The grand prize will be three, $1,000 giveaways drawn after the season concludes.

"We will also have instant winners, and someone will win $250 at each Polar Plunge location,” said Astin.

Plungers may also earn incentives for the donations they secure. Each plunger who raises $50 receives an official plunge Tshirt. At $250, the plunger gets three raffle tickets; at $500, the plunger gets a plunge towel and seven tickets; at $750, plungers receive 10 raffle tickets; at $1,000, plungers receive 15 raffle tickets, and at $1,500, plungers earn 25 raffle tickets.

"Typically, people go out and get sponsors from people to get them to plunge, in hopefully icy cold water," said Astin.

“SOAR’s (Special Olympics Arkansas) mission is to provide year-round sports training and Olympic-type competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities in Arkansas," said Astin.

According to Astin, fundraisers such as the Polar Plunge help SORE provide training for more than 19,500 athletes in 15 different sports.

"Athletes in Arkansas train and compete in swimming, track and field, soccer, basketball, tennis, golf, power lifting and other sports at the local, regional, state and international levels," said Astin. "While our competition events are often in public view, it is our training program that forms the foundation of all that we do.”

Astin said that through networking and volunteer coaches, SOAR athletes spend hours preparing for the opportunity to compete for medals.

"In a sense, our athletes are training for life itself," said Astin. "Training becomes an important stepping stone into communities throughout Arkansas for our athletes and their families. Our goal is to bring people with intellectual disabilities into the mainstream of society in Arkansas under conditions where they are accepted, respected and given the opportunity to become positive citizens."

Astin said those who want to become donors but do not know of a plunger are encouraged to attend the event on Saturday.

(Continued from Page 1) "We welcome people to come out and watch," said Astin. "If they don't want to plunge but want to donate to SOAR, they are welcome to as well. We certainly welcome that."

Plungers are encouraged to visit http://www.specialolympicsarkansas.org/polar-plunge.html, select the Plunge location, and set up an online fundraising page.

"You can ask family and friends to donate online through your Polar Plunge donation page," said Astin, adding that registration forms, contribution sheets and more can be found at www.specialolypicsarkansas.org under the Polar Plunge tab.

Plungers should print and bring a copy of their donation page with them on Saturday.

Sponsors should make checks payable to Special Olympics Arkansas.

For more information, contact Astin at 870-270-7573 or at sfadc@icloud.com