Participants or “plungers” jumped into freezing water at the Baxter YMCA on Saturday at noon at the Polar Plunge Fundraiser. The effort helped raise more than $20,000 to support athletes in the South Carolina Area 11 Special Olympics.
“It was a lot of fun— I actually look forward to the polar plunge every year," Instructional Assistant Carole Pebbles said. “It’s one of my most favorite events, and so far I’ve been to six. I’m going to the polar plunge at Lake Wylie next week. I love the polar plunge because it’s cold, and you freeze, but you have a lot of fun doing it-- and it’s for a great cause. That’s why they call it ‘Freezin for a Reason.’”
All of the Fort Mill Schools including Nation Ford’s Club Unify, and Junior Civitans participated in the Polar Plunge. The money from the event helps support athletes in the Chester, Lancaster and York areas.
“The Special Olympics mean the world to our students— the faces that they make when they get a ribbon is so special,” Special Services Instructional Assistant Courtney Smith said. “They feel so proud because they get to compete alongside other people that are of the same ability, so it shows them that they can do things that other people can do, too.”
The proceeds provide sport training, leadership skills and health services for athletes with disabilities. The Special Olympics empowers athletes to develop physical fitness, celebrate their sportsmanship, experience teamwork and participate in their communities.
Nation Ford teachers can also support the Special Education program by buying a cup of coffee for $1.00. They can request coffee through Google Drive or by emailing Katie Clenshaw, and it will be delivered to classrooms during first and second block.
The website to donate for Special Olympics is still open and Mr. Johns sent out an email to all staff and NFHS parents.