RANGELY | Dozens of people will take the plunge into the chilly waters at Kenney Reservoir this Saturday for a good cause: Special Olympics.
Last year 44 “plungers” took the leap into 39 degree water, raising just under $6,000 for Special Olympics in Colorado.
“We’re the only plunge on the Western Slope,” said organizer Norian Edwards. “Almost all the money we raise stays on the Western Slope.”
Edwards got involved with the program after volunteering for a Special Olympics camp. “It felt good to help those kids,” she said. “I did a plunge in college, and thought it would be a cool thing to do in Rangely.”
This year Rangely District Hospital is the primary sponsor, with support and donations from local businesses and organizations including El Agave restaurant, Big D’s and United Mine Workers of America. The 2016 Polar Plunge is presented by Westerra Credit Union.
Plan to arrive at Kenney Reservoir during the registration period to sign a waiver, submit any additional donations, receive a wristband needed to plunge and collect a T-shirt and swag bag. During registration, you will also fill out an information card that will be read right before the plunge.
Encourage family and friends to come as spectators, if not participants.
After the plunge, plungers are taken to heated tents to change out of their wet clothes before heading to the after party.
Plungers are encouraged to come in costume, bring a towel, shoes to plunge in (not flip flops), a change of clothes and a bag for wet clothes, any extra donations, and a towel.
Participants can register online (bit.ly/2fzU7cF) as individuals or as a team, or register the day of the event. There is a fundraising minimum of $75 ($50 for students and Special Olympics athletes). Even if you don’t want to take the plunge yourself, you can still support Special Olympics by supporting a team or individual who is participating.
Registration on Saturday begins at 11 a.m. at Kenney Reservoir. The Polar Plunge begins at 1 p.m.