Groups take polar plunge on 18-degree Saturday for Special Olympics

Michael Cuviello, Amarillo Globe-News
·3 min read

The annual Polar Plunge benefiting the Special Olympics took place on a cold Saturday morning led by a contingent of 17 members of the Amarillo Police Department at the Amarillo Town Club.

With the morning temperature at a brisk 18 degrees, the department and other community members took the dive to raise money for Area 16 athletes.

Sergeant Carla Burr, public information officer for the Amarillo Police Department, spoke about the support for the event from the officers, including two of their children. Officers jumped into the water about four feet deep and made their way across the pool, with Burr holding a torch as she went across.

Members of the Amarillo Police Department frolic in the cold water at the Polar Plunge Saturday morning at the Amarillo Town Club.
Members of the Amarillo Police Department frolic in the cold water at the Polar Plunge Saturday morning at the Amarillo Town Club.

“This is among the top five coldest days we have jumped into the water for this event,” Burr said. “We really want to support this cause to help these athletes to compete. The Special Olympics allows these athletes to participate in the sports they want to be a part of. It is really a big deal to support this cause."

A family hits the cold water together at the Polar Plunge Saturday morning at the Amarillo Town Club.
A family hits the cold water together at the Polar Plunge Saturday morning at the Amarillo Town Club.

The department donated $500 to Special Olympics, and the officers who participated also chipped in to support the special athletes. Burr said that the department feels it is essential to partner with and support all members of the community, especially those with special needs.

“Some of these athletes probably do not have a lot of interactions due to their disabilities, and for us to be able to help and develop relationships with these athletes means a lot to us,” Burr said. “While I am not looking forward to hitting this cold water, I look forward to every year supporting these athletes. It is worth it to support this group. I have known many of these athletes for years, and it means a lot to me.”

A group works their way across the cold water at the Polar Plunge Saturday morning at the Amarillo Town Club.
A group works their way across the cold water at the Polar Plunge Saturday morning at the Amarillo Town Club.

She said she feels fortunate to get so much buy-in from the department and the academy.

J’Nette Thorne, executive director for West Region Special Olympics Texas, spoke about the importance of the partnerships that support her program.

Sgt. Carla Burr carries the torch across the pool at the Polar Plunge Saturday morning at the Amarillo Town Club.
Sgt. Carla Burr carries the torch across the pool at the Polar Plunge Saturday morning at the Amarillo Town Club.

“Bringing together our law enforcement and our community individuals who support us each year for our cause is so important to these athletes,” Thorne said. “To show that they support the Special Olympics in this way, especially with 18-degree weather, and jump in the pool says a lot about our support in this community. Community support is so important because without that support, we cannot make this happen for our athletes.”

A couple of members of the Amarillo Police Department frantically get out of the pool at the Polar Plunge Saturday morning at the Amarillo Town Club.
A couple of members of the Amarillo Police Department frantically get out of the pool at the Polar Plunge Saturday morning at the Amarillo Town Club.

Thorne said the organization hopes to raise about $2,000 from the Polar Plunge and raise awareness for local athletes. She urges anyone who wants to donate or volunteer time to contact the Special Olympics West Region Texas at https://www.sotx.org/area-home?area=2311839 .

“Volunteers are the base for success in our program because without them, we would be unable to provide opportunities for our athletes,” Thorne said.

Members of the Amarillo Police Department move quickly across the pool at the Polar Plunge Saturday morning at the Amarillo Town Club.
Members of the Amarillo Police Department move quickly across the pool at the Polar Plunge Saturday morning at the Amarillo Town Club.

She said that the Special Olympics have events coming up at the Starlight Ranch with the Ragin Cajun, a basketball competition, and Steak and Two-Stepping, along with other opportunities.

“We are so excited about all the support we have received today,” Thorne said.

Members of the Amarillo Police Department work their way across the pool at the Polar Plunge Saturday morning at the Amarillo Town Club.
Members of the Amarillo Police Department work their way across the pool at the Polar Plunge Saturday morning at the Amarillo Town Club.
Members of the Amarillo Police Department await the Polar Plunge Saturday morning at the Amarillo Town Club.
Members of the Amarillo Police Department await the Polar Plunge Saturday morning at the Amarillo Town Club.
Members of the Amarillo Police Department spend a moment in prayer before the Polar Plunge Saturday morning at the Amarillo Town Club.
Members of the Amarillo Police Department spend a moment in prayer before the Polar Plunge Saturday morning at the Amarillo Town Club.
A young boy is carried across the pool at the Polar Plunge Saturday morning at the Amarillo Town Club.
A young boy is carried across the pool at the Polar Plunge Saturday morning at the Amarillo Town Club.
First members of the Amarillo Police Department hit the freezing water at the Polar Plunge Saturday morning at the Amarillo Town Club.
First members of the Amarillo Police Department hit the freezing water at the Polar Plunge Saturday morning at the Amarillo Town Club.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Groups take polar plunge for Special Olympics