The 2017 Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Arkansas takes place at 11 a.m. Saturday at The Sportsplex, 5610 Richmond Road, Texarkana, Texas. Registration begins
at 10 a.m.
People who want to take the plunge collect donations.
"It's a minimum of $50 for them to jump in the water," said Ann Hudson, field representative for Special Olympics Arkansas. "At $50 they receive a plunge T-shirt commemorative of the event. If they raise $250 they get a towel, $500 an umbrella, and a deluxe lawn chair for $1,000. Most people don't do it for the prizes. They do it to raise money for Special Olympics."
People can participate as an individual or part of a team. Costumes are encouraged. There will be prizes for the best costume and
most money raised.
For people who don't want to jump in a cold pool, they can participate by making a $25 donation and they'll receive a T-shirt that reads 'Too Chicken to Plunge.'
The goal for this area is to raise $6,000.
"Thirty percent stays in this area and 70 percent goes to Special Olympics Arkansas. That is used to get equipment for our events. Our athletes never pay to compete," Hudson said. "Special Olympics provides movement and activities and competition for people with developmental disabilities. We also provide just pure fun. Love and fun, that's what the Special
Olympics is."
The Polar Plunge is also a sanctioned law enforcement Torch Run activity.
For more information, contact Ann Hudson at 501-993-7610 or register online at
firstgiving.com.