Many think that jumping into a freezing cold lake in the middle of February is absolutely crazy. And they would be correct in thinking that, if it were for no reason. But, my family jumps into a freezing cold lake every February in support of Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO).

The Polar Plunge is a special fundraiser. Every participant raises a minimum of $75 to jump in the lake. The SOMO websites states that “Proceeds benefit Special Olympics Missouri’s year-round program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.”

Both of my parents are special education teachers. I was in a mixed-education preschool class, and I had a friend in elementary school with autism. I volunteer at my mom’s school every chance I get. My family’s world revolves around these kind of fundraisers and unique chances for us to help give special needs students opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise get, and my heart belongs to volunteering in this community.

On top of helping athletes get to SOMO, the Polar Plunge is a blast. You can dress up if you want to, so my family did “Guardians of the Galaxy” this year. You can have a lot of fun once you get past the freezing cold— it’s only as fun as you make it.

I would definitely recommend participating in this wonderful program that benefits countless athletes and families. The Polar Plunge is an amazing opportunity for me to contribute to the special needs community and Special Olympics. These students have so much to offer, the least I can do is help get them to SOMO.