Polar Plunge at Banner to benefit Special Olympics

Jackson County residents are being invited to jump into the cold waters at Banner Creek Reservoir in February to become a “Below Zero Hero” by raising funds for Special Olympics Kansas.

A Polar Plunge is being organized for 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27, on the north swim beach at Banner Creek Reservoir just west of Holton on Kansas Highway 16, it has been reported.

Kelsey Wilson, a 2010 Holton High School graduate and one of the organizers for the event, said that 20 Jackson County residents participated in the Polar Plunge event in Topeka last year, representing Holton Community Hospital and Developmental Services of Jackson County.

“After that event, we wanted to see if we could try to host a Polar Plunge here in Jackson County,” Wilson said. “The statewide organizers were very excited when I contacted them.”

Individuals and/or teams are invited to participate in the event, and each person is required to pay at least $75 to jump into the lake as part of the Polar Plunge that day.

“People dress up in costumes, and we try to go in at least waist deep into the water,” Wilson said.

 Each Polar “plunger” will receive a sweatshirt, and additional prizes will be given away if more than $75 is raised by an individual.

“Our goal for our first year is a minimum of 50 plungers and to raise $5,000 for the Special Olympics,” she said.

The theme for this year’s event is “Below Zero Heroes,” and plungers are asked to dress up as their favorite superhero during the fund-raiser.

To register or to donate funds for the event, participants can visit www.plungeks.org.

Prior to the event, a pre-party will be held at Your Place or Mine, 501 E. 5th St. in Holton, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 27. During that time, more donations are expected to be collected and a raffle for various prizes will be held. Participants can also register at this time or at the swim beach just prior to the event.

After the plunge, The Hotspot of Holton will provide free coffee and hot chocolate to participants.

“I hope we can get a good crowd,” Wilson said.

A total of 10 Polar Plunges have been scheduled throughout the state in January and February to raise funds for Special Olympics Kansas.

According to its mission statement, Special Olympics Kansas is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports competitions, health and nutrition programs and leadership development.

Offering year-round initiatives to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics Kansas is a platform for acceptance and inclusion, as well as one of the largest advocates for healthy lifestyles in the state – regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or cultural differences.