Greenbrier takes the plunge for SOAR

January 21-27, 2013

Who wouldn’t want to take a quick dip in the water during the winter months? For those looking to mix up the winter doldrums, the Polar Plunges of Arkansas is the answer. The best part is that trying something new by plunging gives back to a great organization – Special Olympics of Arkansas (SOAR).

Paula Calhoun, Central Arkansas Field Representative for the Special Olympics said, “There are 26 different polar plunges throughout the state of Arkansas.” She described the upcoming event in Greenbrier as a fun way to spend a Saturday. “It’s open to anyone, any age and any swimming level.” There are rescue divers on hand to keep the event running smoothly. 

Law enforcement officers at a convention out of state originally observed the fundraising idea. They brought the icy event idea back to the state and it has been popular ever since. 

Those willing to brave the cold waters will be free to dive on Saturday, January 26 at Woolly Hollow State park. Registration opens at 11:30 a.m. and the plunge begins at 1 p.m. Calhoun said the event is fun to behold: “[The participants] run in and get wet and then run right back out. They’re usually headed for the blankets, but it’s a fun time.”

Those interested in participating can sign up as an individual or a team. There will be awards presented in different areas including best costume and most money raised. The minimum donation for a participant is $50. This year’s sponsors for the event include Woodmen of the World, Wooly Hollow State Park, Faulkner County Sherriff Department, Horton Brothers, Kohl’s, and Y107 My Country. 

SOAR became a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in 1974. The group works to provide year-round sports training and Olympic-type competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities in Arkansas. To date more than 13,000 athletes have participated in training programs in a total of 18 different sports.

Aquatics, track and field, gymnastics, soccer, basketball, tennis, golf, and powerlifting are just a sampling of the sports genre provided by SOAR. The competitions are often public with strong training programs that help the athletes train for their big day. Thanks to volunteer coaches, the athletes involved with SOAR spend hours training and preparing for the opportunity to compete for the gold, silver, or bronze medals.

SOAR’s motto sums it all up: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” By pushing the limits of comfort SOAR athletes are training for much more than a competition. 

The event is a great way to get the whole family involved and to give back. It’s time to get your chill on. 

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