Get Involved: Maryland Heights Polar Plunge

February 21, 2012 No Comments

I wanted to give everyone the last minute opportunity to take part in one of the coolest (literally!) volunteer opportunities that Missouri has to offer. This weekend the Special Olympics will be hosting their Maryland Heights Polar Plunge in Creve Coeur Lake. On Plunge day, each contestant goes against every instinct in their body and hops into a freezing lake to raise money for the Special Olympics. I know what you are thinking; why on earth would I want to do this? The Special Olympics understands this concern and has this to say on their website on why you might actually want to do this,

“All the money raised at the 2012 Polar Plunge supports local Special Olympics athletes. Sure, we’re all about year-round sports training and competition, that’s our mission. But the words of parent Julie Bernhardt show our program offers even more: “As a mother, I want my kids to know it”s okay to be who they are. I want them to know that everyone is different, everyone has challenges but that”s a good thing. Special Olympics has helped me to instill that in them.” That’s what you are doing – helping us use sports to foster inclusion and acceptance. Spend some time with our athletes to see it for yourself.”

To participate you just need to register at their website and raise $75 dollars towards the cause. I know that this is kind of short notice on my part but just go out and ask your friends or family to sponsor you jumping into a freezing lake and I’m sure coming up with $75 dollars shouldn’t be too tough.

This program has been helping those with special needs participate and thrive in athletics since 1968. Help out your community, and those that need it most! I was a Special Olympics Buddy volunteer for four years in high school and the experience can affect you for a lifetime, there is nothing like the look on a child’s face whenever they achieve something they never thought was possible. Do your part, have some fun while keeping these wonderful memories a possibility for these special young boys and girls.