By Staff
The 5th Polar Plunge for Special Olympics in Forsyth County was held on Saturday, February 16th at The Fitness Center in Kernersville. Over 115 Jumpers braved the frigid temperatures and the falling snow to take a dip in an outdoor swimming pool. Why would anyone want to jump into an outdoor swimming pool in the middle of Winter? They are Freezin’ for a Reason, and that reason is Special Olympics. The Polar Plunge serves as an awareness and fund raising tool for Special Olympics. This Plunge raised over $10,000. Special Olympics Forsyth County will receive 15% of those funds.
The Polar Plunge is a fundraiser that local law enforcement agencies hold every year. These agencies are part of the Torch Run which is a fundraising entity of Special Olympics. Yearly the Torch Run raises over $1 million in North Carolina alone.
Organizations that Jumped:
Winston-Salem Police Department – including Chief Cunningham, the Winston-Salem Police Explorers, and Class 65 (current Rookie class going through rookie school).
Forsyth County Sherriff’s Department
Forsyth Tech Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET)
Hooter’s
Knights of Columbus
Special Olympics Forsyth County Coaches
Kernersville Police Department – including Chief Gamble
The Fitness Center
Special Olympics is a non-profit organization that does not charge athletes to participate in the program. Local programs rely on fund raisers, grants, sponsorships, civic organizations, and individual donors to provide the opportunities for Special Olympics athletes to train and compete in the sports they love.
To make a donation to Special Olympics Forsyth County, contact Lisa Kiser at 336-727-2425, or mail checks to 2301 N. Patterson Ave, Winston-Salem, NC 27105.
