Set to be perhaps one of the most frigid fundraising events of the year, the Lincoln Shooting Stars Special Olympics team will be hosting their annual “Polar Plunge” fundraiser this Saturday, February 15.
The event will take place at 11 a.m. on the north shore of Holmes Lake, 70th Street and Normal Boulevard. This year’s theme is “Hooked on the Polar Plunge,” so participants will be dressed in “Peter Pan” related costumes.
“Family, friends, the athletes, anybody that just has a real heart for all-inclusive sports, each team will be plunging to raise money to support Special Olympics programs in Nebraska,” said Darcia Cole, Director of the Easter Day Recreation Center which specializes in adaptive programming.
Those brave enough to run into the icy waters in the dead of winter raise money by collecting pledges from family, friends and coworkers. Funds go help support the Shooting Stars cover the costs of sporting equipment, rentals, uniforms for the athletes, etc.
“Special Olympics is really designed to be a zero cost activity for the athletes. Even meals are provided at tournaments, and transportation is provided for those who need it so that they can really freely participate in any of the sports that we offer,” Darcia added. “Many of our participants live on a very small budget, so their ability to have extra money for socializing, activities, and to be on a sports team is very limited. This is a way that the athletes can get together, socialize, get exercise, come together and work together as a team to earn medals and recognition.”
Residents are invited to join the Shooting Stars at Holmes Lake and cheer on the teams. Donations can be made at sone.org, either to the Special Olympics in general or specific teams.