Project #5: Polar Bear Plunge to Benefit Special Olympics Kansas
The mission of Special Olympics Kansas is to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports competitions, health and nutrition programs and leadership development. In 1968, Special Olympics Kansas sent a delegation of six (6) athletes to the Special Olympics Summer Games at Soldier Field in Chicago. Today, the organization provides athletic training, health education and competition opportunities for more than 5400 athletes with intellectual disabilities in the State of Kansas.
As part of its annual fundraising, Special Olympics Kansas organizes an annual Polar Bear Plunge, allowing fans and athletes to show their support for a good cause by braving freezing Kansas lake waters in the middle of winter. Proceeds from the event go to support Special Olympics programs throughout the state. This year, three (3) brave Klenda, Mitchell, Austerman & Zuercher partners (Gary Austerman, Chris McElgunn and Jeff Peier) have been put up for nomination to take the plunge. Friends, family and staff can vote for the partner(s) they would like to see take the plunge on Saturday, February 5, 2011. Each vote costs $1. If you are interested in donating to a worthy cause, or would simply like to see one of these men jump in an iced over lake this weekend, please direct your votes/donations to Chasity Helm or you can log on and make a donation to the KMAZ Plunge Team.
