Manhattan Polar Plunge seeks volunteers for 2026 planning committee

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Special Olympics Kansas is recruiting volunteers for its 2026 Manhattan Polar Plunge planning committee ahead of the Valentine's Day event at Tuttle Creek State Park.

The organization seeks passionate individuals to join the committee by Oct. 15 to help plan the Feb. 14, 2026, fundraiser. Committee members assist with event planning and logistics, community outreach and promotion, sponsorships and fundraising, and volunteer coordination.

"This is a fun and meaningful way to get involved, meet amazing people, and support athletes with intellectual disabilities in your area and the state of Kansas," organizers wrote in a social media post.

Interested volunteers can contact Special Events Coordinator Katelyn Andrist at 316-680-7522 or andristk@soks.org.

The Polar Plunge serves as one of the largest fundraisers for Special Olympics Kansas, which provides year-round sports training and competition for more than 4,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities across 21 sports.

The fundraising event involves participants plunging into frigid water to raise money and awareness for the organization. Multiple Polar Plunge events occur across Kansas each winter, with recent Manhattan events at Tuttle Creek State Park raising thousands of dollars.

The Olathe Polar Plunge in February raised more than $70,000, marking the largest fundraising total since 2012, according to Chris Burt, CEO of Special Olympics Kansas. Emporia celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Polar Plunge event earlier this year.

Founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968, Special Olympics began with approximately 1,000 athletes from 26 U.S. states and Canada at the first games held at Soldier Field in Chicago. The organization now serves more than 5 million athletes worldwide in over 190 countries.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics was launched in Kansas in 1981 by Police Chief Richard LaMunyon, who recognized the need to raise awareness for the organization.

Special Olympics Kansas offers athletes free health screenings, leadership programs and year-round training opportunities. The organization returns 83% of every dollar raised directly to program services.

Participants must be at least 10 years old and typically raise a minimum of $75 to plunge. The events often feature costume contests, warming tents and community celebrations.

For more information about Special Olympics Kansas, visit soks.org.