YAKIMA, Wash.-- The Yakima Polar Plunge
to benefit the Special Olympics of Washington is coming up this weekend.
Once
again the Yakima Police Department is organizing the event.
"It's a challenge and I think a lot
of folks like that," said Yakima Police Lieutenant Mike Merryman.
Merryman is not only an organizer, but
also one of many people who have signed up to take the Yakima Polar Plunge this
weekend. The event raises money for Special Olympics athletes.
"Bottom line is: If we don't, the
community and law enforcement…if we don't come together and raise funds for our
Special Olympics athletes... then we'll have athletes throughout the year that
aren't able to go to different competitions," Merryman said.
It's the largest fundraiser for athletes
in Yakima. Last year the event raised around $18,000 for everything those
athletes might need.
"Having the cool uniforms, and being
able to travel and not having families have to foot the bill," says
Organizer Lesley Lochmiller.
Lochmiller has planned a number of these
events, but this year is her first time taking the plunge.
"A little nervous... It's gonna be
cold... What a great way, though, to get involved in the community and give
back to the athletes," Lochmiller said.
However, if you want to give money but
still don't want to take the plunge, you can support a plunger with your
donations online.
"It's for the people that aren't
quite ready to do that plunge yet, but still wanna give back to the Special
Olympics and support the people who are actually plunging," said
Lochmiller.
The Polar Plunge happens this Saturday, February 9th, you can still sign
up or donate to a plunger on the Polar Plunge website, here.
