Polar Plunging with a purpose

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) – The bitterly cold water at Saturday’s Polar Plunge in Rapid City welcomed hundreds of participants for this year’s event raising money for South Dakota Special Olympics.

“You’re being brave and you’re putting yourself out there and you are doing a challenge, like you’re challenging yourself. So, I feel like it’s important for me to also challenge myself, you know, and supporting their actions too,” said Rapid City Stevens junior Jackson Dial.”

Across dozens of groups, Plungers raised thousands of dollars, reaching nearly $130,000. Unlike other events put on by the organization throughout the year, most of the money fundraised in this one stays local.

“It certainly tied in well to what our business is, selling hot tubs, but also, we like the idea of a lot of the money for the event actually stays around Rapid City and doesn’t get dispersed throughout the rest of the state,” said Rapid Spa Owner Ben Johnson, who hosted Saturday’s plunge.

“Originally, it was just kind of we came out here so could get our volunteer hours, but its kind of turned into more like a support thing as we learned about it,” said Rapid City Stevens junior Brody Thompson. “We get to come out here and just support all the Special Olympics and see all the people having fun.”

Many groups from around the community took part, including KEVN Black Hills Fox. Rapid City Stevens High School, also in attendance, had several students plunge representing National Honor Society and varsity baseball.

“We know Special Olympics and all the great things they do for athletes around the country, but specifically here in Rapid City,” said Stevens Activities Director Nick Karn. “So, we just want to support them. We know the value of sports and competition, and we just want to support them with that.”

To learn more about how you can get involved with South Dakota Special Olympics, click here.

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