Polar Plunge to chill at Lee's Ford for another year, raise money for Special Olympics

Mar. 1—Ready to take the plunge in 2024?

The Lake Cumberland Polar Plunge will return to Lee's Ford Marina in western Pulaski County on Saturday, March 9. Billed as "the coolest event on Lake Cumberland," the popular annual fundraiser supports Special Olympics programs across Kentucky.

"We've been holding (the Polar Plunge) there for a couple of years now," said Mallory Jent, Development Events Director for Special Olympics Kentucky, of Lee's Ford. "It's one of our smaller events in the state for our Polar Plunge, but the community and the atmosphere is always a great joy."

Getting dressed up in colorful costumes is part of the festivities, with one of the big draws being the costume contest, noted Jent.

"It's just a really fun environment, Everyone watches until the very end. Everyone's cheering everyone on," said Jent. "It's a bucket list item for a lot of people to jump in a cold body of water in the middle of winter."

One of the most unique aspects of holding it at Lee's Ford is the ability to jump off a houseboat provided by the marina instead of just the dock.

"It's just a different kind of experience," said Jent. "Most people experience Lake Cumberland ... just in the summer, so coming down there in the winter is definitely a different experience for sure.

"The way you fully submerge into the lake can definitely be breathtaking at times," she added. "... It can be a little shocking at first but you're only cold for a couple of seconds and it's for a great cause."

There is a minimum fundraising goal per person of $75 ($50 for students 18 and under); Jent noted that participants can donate that amount themselves or ask friends and families to support their efforts.

All the proceeds go back to Special Olympics Kentucky, serving not only the Somerset area but 11,000 athletes across the state. Special Olympics is the world's largest program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Participation is open to all individuals eight years of age or older. Training and competition in local, area, state, and national programs is offered year-round in a number of Olympic-style sports. For more information about Special Olympics Programs, visit www.soky.org.

About 53 people were signed up as of mid-week, noted Jent; registration continues up until time for the plunge. Jent said individuals can come to the marina and sign up between 10 a.m. (when check-in begins, next to the Lee's Ford Ship Store) and 11 a.m. if they don't do so beforehand.

Those interested can register and raise money online at lakecumberlandplunge.com.

The "plunge" gets underway at 11 a.m. with the opening ceremonies and costume contest.

All participants receive the official Polar Plunge T-shirt but can earn additional prizes for raising more money. Prizes will be awarded to the top fundraising university or school group, top fundraising law enforcement group, top fundraising corporate group and the top fundraising team. Prizes will also be awarded to the team and individual with the best costumes.

Last year more than 70 people took the Plunge, raising more than $21,000.

The Polar Plunge is sponsored by Lee's Ford Resort and Marina, Tyson, Don Franklin-Somerset, Somerset 106-WYKY, WTLO and Special Olympics Kentucky Year-Round Partners Jersey Mike's, Texas Roadhouse and Toyota Motor Corporation.