CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Here’s a good way to get a wake-up call on a winter’s day: Go jump in a swimming pool. With the outdoor temperature in the mid 40s, that’s just what close to 50 brave souls did Saturday morning at the annual Polar Plunge to support Special Olympics athletes.
Austin Peay State University’s Foy Recreation and Fitness Center was the site for the event, which raised more than $5,000 as teams and individuals jumped feet first into the water under the watchful eyes of APSU lifeguards.
Amy Parker, Vice President of Marketing and Development for Special Olympics Tennessee, said the plunge in Clarksville was the first in-person event of the season for the organization.
“It’s going to support the athletes when we’re able to return back to play. We also have to make sure every athlete can do it safely. A lot of our fundraising right now is going to help with personal protective equipment and all of those things we need to make sure we can go back safely,” Parker said.
COVID-19 guidelines with temperature checks, wearing of masks and social distancing were in place for the event. There was also an at-home plunge option where people could use a pool, Slip ‘N Slide, water balloon fight, or sprinklers, and submit a video and donate to Special Olympics.
Some of the groups participating included APSU Campus Police, Clarksville Police Department, Two Rivers Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), and the 2021 Class of Leadership Clarksville.
Director of the Greater Clarksville Area for Special Olympics, Tonya Golden, shared exciting news about one hometown Special Olympics athlete, Michele Moseley. Moseley has qualified to go to the Special Olympics World Games in Russia to compete in the speedskating competition.
Visit specialolympicstn.org to learn more.