Young adults around Lee County are getting ready to take the plunge to support the Lee County Special Olympics.
The 3rd Annual Polar Plunge to support the Lee County Special Olympics will take place Jan. 31 at 9 a.m. at Samford Pool, located at 465 Wrights Mill Road.
According to Ryan Molt who is in charge of the event, the participants will jump into the pool, and some may attempt to do laps.
Last year the pool was 38.4 degrees, Molt said.
Molt, who hosted the first Polar Plunge in his backyard, said it is free to participate in the event but they ask for at least a $20 sponsorship.
Moly said last year they had 55 plungers and raised $10,000 and the first year they had 18 plungers and raised $4,000.
Participants dress up in fun costumes and there are prizes for the costume contest, as well as prizes awarded to those that raise the most money. Usually the prizes are gift cards from local businesses according to Molt.
There will be a Post Plunge Party at Finks Craft Bar & Grill according to the events Facebook page.
Joey Young will be there to perform live music.
The money raised from the event will pay for the travel and uniforms for the athletes of the Lee County Special Olympics.
The Lee County Special Olympics is "so thankful for community and support" they have gotten from the Lee County community said Dana Stewart, director for the Lee County Special Olympics.
Stewart said that the Lee County Special Olympics has approximately 500-600 athletes including adults.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded the Special Olympics in the 1950s when she realized children with disabilities needed a place to interact with others, according to the Special Olympics website.
Cynthia Caldwell-Jackson got involved in the organization via her daughter Sherrell who has special needs.
Sherrell has been involved in bowling and is now a participant in track and field with the organization. She first started participating with Lee County Special Olympics when she was in sixth grade and is now 24.
Cynthia is now a certified coach in track and field for the Special Olympics.
Cynthia said the program has helped change her life.
It is clear that this organization has been a positive experience for Cynthia and her daughter. When asked about her daughter's involvement in the organization Cynthia said that Sherrell reminds her when it is time to go to practice.
Cynthia said that the order of events for the Special Olympics is a local tournament then the State tournament in Troy and then the National game.
For more information or to sign up for the event go to the event Facebook page "3rd Annual Auburn Polar Plunge."
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