‘Penguins’ will take a dip into Lake Coeur d’Alene for fundraiser

COEUR d’ALENE — North Idaho residents are taking making a splash to support local Special Olympics athletes.

St. Paddy’s Penguin Plunge will be 10 a.m. on Saturday at the Hagadone Event Center.

As the mother of a Special Olympics athlete, Coeur d’Alene resident Mary Kerr has witnessed firsthand how the organization transforms lives. Her son, Jake Kerr, has competed in Special Olympics events since he was 13 years old.

In his case, Special Olympics didn’t just impact his social life. It also improved his health.

When his basketball team was chosen to participate in the 2017 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle, medical personnel discovered that he had developed high blood pressure. Through the Special Olympics training program, he lost 40 pounds and got his blood pressure under control.

“That totally changed his life,” his mom said.

After moving to Idaho from his home state of Alaska, Jake said he found the Gem State’s program to be different from what he was used to. The Kootenai County Bears are in a rebuilding phase with limited finances.

“I am committed to Idaho Special Olympics and want to do my part in rebuilding our program,” he said. “We need your help.”

That’s where the Penguin Plunge comes in.

It’s one of the biggest fundraisers of the year, and the Kootenai County Bears are relying on money raised next weekend to cover summer travel expenses for local athletes.

Another goal for the event is to reach out to people who are eligible to participate in Special Olympics but aren’t yet connected with the program.

Athletes must be at least 8 years old to compete, and there is no upper age limit. There is no cost to join Special Olympics, nor is there a cost to train or compete.

“I would like to encourage people to participate, even just to show the athletes their support by being there,” Mary Kerr said.

Adults must raise a minimum of $125 in order to plunge. Youth ages 17 and under must raise a minimum of $50 to plunge. Pre-registration begins at 9 a.m., while the plunge begins at 10 a.m.

Special Olympics Idaho is a nonprofit that encourages and empowers people with intellectual disabilities. The local chapter, the Kootenai County Bears, serves more than 300 athletes.

To register for the Penguin Plunge, visit www.idso.org.