Written by Katie VanOeveren
February 2023
For the second time, I jumped in the Special Olympics Polar Plunge. I’m a Special Olympic athlete and I support my friends and my teams when I jump in the polar plunge. I like to be involved in a lot of activities and this in one way I can make other people aware that I do Special Olympic sports and that they can help out too.
I work with my mom and dad to make entertaining videos for Facebook, trying to get everyone excited to donate on my behalf. I have a lot of fun coming up with ideas and making the videos. I like the comments that I get. I also handed out a flyer at work, church, and other places to get people aware of the polar plunge and possibly get them to donate.
Last year, my goal was to raise $500 and I was really surprised when I raised just over $2000. This year I set my goal at $2000 and was even more surprised when everyone donated $3600 for me to jump in the cold water. That’s a really big amount.
Last year, the weather was terrible but this year the sun was shining but the water was still very cold. People ask me if I was scared to jump. I’m not scared but I don’t like the cold water. The energy of the crowd helps me get through jumping.
Thank you for supporting me and Special Olympics. I’m already making plans to jump again and hope you will be there to support me next year.
