Plunging into freezing water in the middle of February may not sound appealing to most, but every year the Manhattan community takes on the challenge. Participants felt the excitement of diving into Tuttle Creek to raise money for the Special Olympics on Feb. 14.
Katelyn Andrist serves as the special event coordinator for Special Olympics Kansas and works closely with the Polar Plunge fundraisers.
“Many plunges across Kansas benefit Special Olympics Kansas programs,” she said. “The money raised helps provide year-round sports training and competition, health and wellness programs, Unified Sports opportunities and leadership development for athletes with intellectual disabilities.”
Special Olympics’ mission and the direct impact on athletes and their families is what drew Andrist to this event. The main mission stated by the Special Olympics is “to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in various Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.”
“I was immediately inspired by the energy of the event — community members, law enforcement, businesses and athletes all coming together for one purpose,” Andrist said. “I have been involved in Special Olympics Kansas for seven years and working for them two years.”
Inspired to come back year after year, the work Andrist does allows her to see firsthand how these events help athletes. Not only does fundraising help make the Special Olympics possible, but it also allows for moments of inclusion and celebration.
“The Polar Plunge is more than just a fundraiser; it is a visible demonstration of community support and belief in the abilities of every athlete,” she said. “My athletes and families are special people who give so much and deserve to have special moments like the plunge to feel included.”
The Manhattan community consistently shows up for this event year after year. 50+ local businesses supported 135 brave plungers, and 300+ community members and volunteers came to show their support.
Andrist said the event’s fundraising provides support that allows the program to run year-round.
“The Special Olympics Kansas was chosen as the charity of choice because of its direct and lasting impact on individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families,” Andrist said. “Athletes receive opportunities to compete, build confidence, develop friendships and grow as leaders both on and off the field.”
The Polar Plunge allows students to see their impact, tightening community connections through inclusion and empowerment. Ellie Keegan, junior in special elementary education, has an emotional connection to the event.
“I’ve participated in this event multiple times before, and I love anything to do with the Special Olympics,” Keegan said. “For a quick moment, we choose to be uncomfortable by jumping into cold water. That small moment of discomfort reflects what many Special Olympics athletes experience when they step outside their comfort zones to compete and try something new. It’s really about coming together to support year-round programs and opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities.”
Keegan helped plan the Polar Plunge event for the past few years. She believes that spreading the word and being persistent contributes to the event’s success.
“For many Special Olympics athletes, competing means being brave enough to try, to be seen and to push through uncertainty,” Keegan said. “Jumping into freezing water is uncomfortable, but it’s temporary.”
The day of the Polar Plunge is when Keegan gets to work with the kids the most, reminding her how much passion these kids have.
“Seeing people with and without disabilities jump into the water together honestly feels like a picture of what inclusion should look like,” Keegan said. “Everyone is side by side, doing the same thing, cheering each other on. No one is separated or treated differently; they’re just teammates sharing the moment. That’s the ultimate goal of an inclusive classroom, too. It’s not just about being in the same room, it’s about belonging.”