Some people might hesitate to take the plunge into the cold waters of Mayfield Lake at 10 a.m. on Jan. 25.
It’s certainly an icy challenge.
But I hope to change your mind and invite you to join the Lewis County Icicle Brigade Polar Plunge Team to benefit our local Special Olympics athletes and families.
In 1968, Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded the Special Olympics to create opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate in sports, compete and showcase their talents.
Through sport, the Special Olympics provides a foundation for millions of athletes to demonstrate their strength, skill and ability. Today, more than 5.7 million athletes compete in over 200 countries and jurisdictions — including Special Olympics Washington and our own Lewis County Special Olympics.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics Washington, a milestone that celebrates half a century of creating inclusive opportunities and life-changing programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state.
Our local plunge will help further this mission and create even more opportunities for athletes and their families.
Almost nine years ago, recently retired Centralia police officer Ruben Ramirez invited me to join the local Special Olympics polar plunge team by jumping into the Puget Sound. At first, I thought he was crazy, and my family was certainly skeptical when I asked them to join me.
But taking the plunge was a decision that changed my life.
At my first plunge — and every plunge since — I heard stories from families about the financial struggles they face in providing uniforms, equipment and travel expenses for their athletes. I saw pictures of our local Special Olympics teams using outdated equipment and wearing mismatched jerseys. Most importantly, I spoke with athletes about how much the Special Olympics means to the quality of their lives.
Six years ago, we created the Lewis County Icicle Brigade Polar Plunge Team and organized our own local event at Mayfield Lake. Our goal was to create a plunge that was more accessible for athletes, families and the community. Creating a local plunge and community connection has been a huge success, with 100 plungers joining us last year, as well as coffee and food vendors supporting participants and spectators.
The polar plunge is about more than just jumping into cold water. For me, it’s a way to highlight the importance of the Special Olympics in the lives of local families, to help provide the necessary resources for their success, and to ensure our athletes are recognized and appreciated for their dedication.
I want to specifically thank Ramirez, Brenda Padgett, Sara Sons, our volunteer plunge team and all the local law enforcement agencies that help plan and keep us safe at the event.
I also want to express my gratitude to Tom Alderson at Alderson’s Awards West and Printwares for providing challenge coins to the first 75 plungers who join the team, take the plunge and raise funds for the Special Olympics.
I hope you will join me and the Lewis County Icicle Brigade at Mayfield Lake at 10 a.m. on Jan 25.
The plunge might leave you with cold hands and feet, but it will surely warm your heart.
To join the Lewis County Icicle Brigade or donate to a plunger, visit our team page at https://impact.sowa.org/Lewis-County-Icicle-Brigade-25.
•••
State Rep. Peter Abbarno is a Centralia-based attorney who represents the 20th Legislative District in the Washington state Legislature.
