COOLEST POOL PARTY

OF THE YEAR!

MEET ME AT THE POOL

Taking the Polar Plunge with Special Olympics Kansas supports thousands of athletes.

Special Olympics Kansas is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive, and respected members of society through sports competitions, health and nutrition programs, and leadership development. 

Sport is a powerful force. It can shift the focus from disability to ability, from isolation to involvement, from exclusion to inclusion. It teaches teamwork, instills compassion, and builds leaders. Families find support. Lifelong friendships are formed. Social skills are developed. Independence is achieved. Lives are changed.

Locations

Join us for the COOLEST pool party of the year! Bringing a lighthearted twist to our icy tradition, this pool party is about coming together, making memories, and celebrating inclusive fun that provides Special Olympics Kansas athletes with opportunities to thrive on and off the field. Organize a team of your friends, co-workers, family, or choose to go solo. Every dollar raised will go towards Special Olympics programming to support athletes by providing them a space to practice and compete, have healthier lifestyles, and a sense of belonging in their community. If you cannot take the Plunge, but want to support – you can make a donation, volunteer your time, or come out to support others!

Emporia

February 21, 2026

Hutchinson

January 24, 2026

Kansas City

February 28, 2026

Lawrence

February 21, 2026

Maize

March 7, 2026

Manhattan

February 14, 2026

Pittsburg

February 14, 2026

Salina

February 7, 2026​

Topeka

February 7, 2026

Meet Scott Ball

Scott Ball has been a Special Olympics athlete for 25 years! As a proud member of the New Hope Bulldogs in Pittsburg, he has participated in snowshoe, powerlifting, flag football, basketball, bowling, bocce, golf, soccer, and softball. His favorite sports are bowling and bocce.
 
Scott’s favorite part of Special Olympics Kansas is the community and being with other people that have intellectual disabilities. “Special Olympics has helped me find my place in life,” says Scott. “I’ve found people that are completely accepting of me.”
 
Outside of sports, Scott likes to crochet, watch movies, travel, dance, sing karaoke, and go out to eat with his old classmates.
 
His advice to others is: “Keep up the spirit, make sure you have friends close and look good everyday!”
 
Scott is known for his participation in the Polar Plunge every year! His 2026 goal is $3,000.

Freezin' For A Reason

Find out your ROI (Return on Inclusion) could be with Special Olympics Kansas! A partnership with SOKS means athletes will get the opportunity to experience the joy of sports, free health screenings, and succeed on and off the field. Multiple sponsorship options available. Please contact Jake LaMunyon to partner.

Shared Revenue

Special Olympics Kansas is pleased to offer the opportunity to partner with local non-profits, churches, and school groups through the Polar Plunge®! Register a team, fill out the forms, and raise money. We will share a portion of the funds that your team raises online with your group!

"Your courage to take the plunge helps fuel the dreams of our incredible athletes. It's truly inspiring."

- John Lair, CEO & President of Special Olympics Kansas

NEW Mobile Plunge Trailer

We’re excited to introduce our brand-new Mobile Plunge Trailer, designed to bring the Polar Plunge to cities across Kansas with ease! This state-of-the-art mobile trailer allows us to host Polar Plunge events anywhere. This makes it easier for communities to participate and support Special Olympics Kansas athletes.
 
We are thankful for local fire departments that fill the trailer with clean freezin’ cold water. Be careful – this has a splash zone!
 
This addition has helped us host Cool School Plunges across the state, allowing for high school students, college campuses, Unified partners, and school staff to participate. Please contact Caitlin Pierce if your school is ready to take the plunge.
 
Get ready to party & make an impact, no matter where you are!
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RESOURCES

Donate today to help more athletes hit the field and discover the power of sport in their lives! TRIPLE your impact this Giving Tuesday and change a life through sport today!