HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It’s cold and it’s wet, but it’s for a good cause. More than a dozen individuals have pledged to plunge into the icy waters at the Hutchinson Mall on March 7 to raise money for Special Olympics Kansas during the 3rd annual Polar Plunge.
Participants in the event will jump into a pool at noon to benefit athletes with intellectual disabilities from Hutchinson and around south-central Kansas.
The Polar Plunge is an annual event for SOKS organized by local law enforcement agencies who participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run. To take the plunge, each participant must raise a minimum of $75.
The event is open to the public. Those who would like to participate can register online at plungeks.org/hutchinson. The 2020 fundraising goal for the Hutchinson Polar Plunge is $10,000. Money raised from the event will help fund equipment, year-round sports training and competition, health programs and leadership classes for SOKS athletes.
The first Kansas Polar Plunge took place in Kansas City in 1999 and raised $2,000. Since then, the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Kansas expanded to 11 locations and has raised more than $2.6 million.
Heated spaces will be available for participants to dry off and change after taking the plunge.
Awards will be given to top finishers for best costumes for individuals and groups, top fundraisers, and to the team with the most participants.