BY DONNA SWICEGOOD
Special Olympics athlete Brett Troutman, with his medals draped around his neck, issued a challenge to the community during the Statesville City Council meeting on January 13.
Troutman, representing Special Olympics of Iredell County, challenged residents to take a cold plunge into the Statesville Leisure Pool on February 15 to help the organization meet its $27,000 goal. The event starts at 10:30 a.m.
“We will challenge to each of you to join us as we go ‘freezing for a reason,’ ” Troutman said in his appearance at the council meeting.
Statesville Council member Kim Wasson accepted Troutman’s challenge, asking her fellow council members to give $100.
Local Special Olympics coordinator Bobbi Williams said many others are signing up to take the challenge as well, either as teams or individuals, to make this year’s polar plunge a success.
One team was started by a 6-year-old in honor of his brother. Team Cayden, the fundraising effort by the 6-year-old, will be joined by teams from the Statesville Police Department and some of the school resource officers, she said. The school resource officers are “freezing for a reason” in honor of Special Olympics athletes that attend their respective schools, Williams said.
They will be joined by Margaret Johnson, a Special Olympics coach. Johnson normally takes the plunge for her team but this year, Williams said, she’s still raising money but will be cheering from the sidelines due to a recent hip replacement surgery.
Williams said others can join Johnson in cheering on the plungers in person as about 200 people did last year. Those who want to support the cause but don’t want to or cannot plunge can — for $20 — still help out.
“We are selling a ‘Too chicken to plunge’ T-shirt,” Williams said.
The event will also include a Pee Wee Plunge for youth 12 and younger. “If they are not ready to go down the slide, they can jump into the shallow end of the pool,” Williams said.
Even those who want to wait to see what the weather holds on February 15 can participate, she said.
“We will take registrations at the pool,” Williams said.
The plunge is just part of the day’s activities.
There will be a costume contest, which begins at 10:40 a.m.
Special Olympics cheerleaders will be offering encouragement to the plunge participants. A DJ will be on hand playing tunes.
“It’s going to be a fun day,” Williams said.
The event is part of a nationwide fundraiser for the athletes. In Iredell County, she said, there are approximately 300 athletes taking part in a variety of sports.
“One hundred percent of the money stays in Iredell County,” Williams said.
Proceeds support the purchase of uniforms, equipment and travel and lodging expenses.
And the reward for braving the cold water, she said, is seeing the confidence and joy Special Olympics brings to the athletes, coaches and their families.
REGISTRATION
Registration in advance to participate or buy a chicken T-shirt at https://give.specialolympicsnc.com/campaign/2025-special-olympics-iredell-county-polar-plunge/c626435
A donation of $50 is requested for each polar plunge participant.