BENTONVILLE — Taking a plunge in cold water will become a reality for the hundreds of people who participate in the Beaver Lake Polar Plunge.
The event, which is coordinated by Special Olympics Arkansas and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, will be Saturday at the Prairie Creek swim area near Rogers. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. The plunge begins an hour later.
Donna Kilmer, Northwest Arkansas field representative for Special Olympics Arkansas, said money raised from the Plunge will help the organization continue to provide free year-round sports training and competition opportunities to people with intellectual disabilities.
Special Olympics Arkansas supports 14,000 athletes across the state who compete and train year round in 20 Olympic-type sports, Kilmer said.
Special Olympics Arkansas also offers programs in education, along with health and wellness, she said.
There were more than 300 people who participated last year and the event raised more than $48,000, Kilmer said.
Kilmer hopes to meet or exceed last year’s amount.
“I am proud to say that the Beaver Lake Polar Plunge is the largest in the state, and raises the most funds,” Kilmer said. “I believe that this event continues to grow because it is definitely a unique fundraiser and for a lot of our participants is something they do each and every year and they typically bring new people to join in the craziness.”
Mark Jordan, a Bentonville police detective, helps coordinate the event and also takes the plunge each year.
“I dedicate my time to Special Olympics because it’s the right thing to do,” Jordan said. “Seeing those Special Olympics athletes smile when you present them with a medal, there’s no better feeling.”
Jordan said this is his 15th year to participate in the event.
He said he was looking forward to jumping in the water. “I like listening to everyone’s reaction when they come out of the water,” he said. “Even though they are freezing, they can’t wait to do it again next year because they know that Special Olympics is worth it.”
Keshia Guyll, the public information deputy for the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, is participating in the plunge. “Special Olympics is just a great cause if you’ve ever met one of their athletes,” Guyll said. “They are just amazing, and full of excitement and inspiration.
Guyll said she’s donated for the event, but has never participated in it. Guyll said she has 20 people participating with her and she hoping that more join.
The event will be rescheduled to Feb. 15 if the roads are icy, Jordan said.
“It’s supposed to snow three days next week,” Jordan said. “We don’t mind the snow, but ice will make the roads dangerous.”
For more information about Special Olympics Arkansas, visit specialolympicsarkansas.org.