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  • A Pittsburg County sheriff’s deputy takes the Polar Plunge during the 2012 event. Photo by Kevin Harvison

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January 31, 2013

Locals take the Plunge for a good cause Saturday

By Jeanne LeFlore Staff Writer

Oklahoma City — The Polar Plunge is Saturday and several local agencies are set to participate in the fundraiser benefitting the Special Olympics.

Kiowa Police Chief Tony Runyon said he will be taking the plunge this year along with several of his officers.

“We are all taking the plunge together,” Runyon said.He said he just made the decision this week and now there is no turning back.

“I know it’s for a very good cause so I feel really good about this.”

At 10 a.m. the JI Stipe Center will be the place to see Runyon and his officers along with several members of the local community — some in full costume — jump into a cold pool of water.

Back again for the plunge this year is State Representative Donnie Condit (D-McAlester) said he will be back again to take plunge.

“I think it’s great, we should do everything we can to help the Special Olympics,” Condit said.

And Pittsburg County Sheriff Joel Kerns said although he won’t be taking the plunge this year, several volunteers from the sheriff’s department will be.

“We will have several volunteers taking the plunge,” Kerns said.

“It’s going to be cold but we are always willing to help the Special Olympics.”

Anyone can be a “Plunger,” according to Jennifer Lightle Special Olympics Oklahoma special events director.

And she said there is still time to register.

“If you don’t get around to registering to plunge before Saturday, that’s OK, because we will sign you up on the day of the plunge,” Lightle said. “Last year, we had many people register on the morning of the plunge.”

She said it costs $75 to register and all of the money raised stays in Oklahoma to support programs for the 9,500 Special Olympics Oklahoma athletes.

The J.I. Stipe Center is at 801 N 9th Street.

For more information visit www.sook.org or call 1-800-722-9004.

Contact Jeanne LeFlore at jleflore@mcalesternews.com.

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