My name is Parker and I am a sophomore at Tri-Valley High School. This is my fourth year in the McLean County Diversity Project and my 3rd year being involved with Special Olympics

Two years ago in the Diversity Project, my project included helping out with a Special Olympics basketball game.

I have played sports all of my life and had never seen a better played game than the game that I helped with. The sportsmanship was at a higher level than I have ever seen. The game was very competitive but sportsmanship came first and every single person was helping out one another.

I enjoyed the experience so much that I wanted to be involved with Special Olympics for years to come.

Then last year I decided to do the Polar Plunge as my project.
Last year's Polar Plunge was held on February 28th, 2010 at Miller Park Lake. On that day the ice was so thick that they had to break it with a backhoe.

I was very nervous while I watched the other teams run into the lake. I saw firemen wading in the water with drysuits to assist any plunger who may have to struggle to make it through the water.

Most of the participants, including my teammates and I, were dressed in bizarre costumes as we plunged into the icy water. I went dressed as a banana. I instantly became a frozen banana as it was the coldest I have felt in my entire life.

With all of my pre-plunge apprehension gone, I could only wait until the plunge coming up this year. I will remember that day forever.

This year, I have two projects. I am building ramps for AMBUCS, and I’m taking the polar plunge again. This year we will be working with Jill Speer. Last year as a whole we were able to raise a lot of money for the plunge and I expect us to do much better this year. With the help of Chad Roberts recruiting kids at our school we hope to double or triple the turn out for our group.

The Polar Plunge allowed me to see the full circle of Special Olympics, from the hardworking coordinators like Jill, to the athletes who get to enjoy competition with the highest level of sportsmanship.

What I like about Special Olympics is that it provides sports opportunity for people with disabilities. And I particularly wanted to try to help give these kids a chance to have fun playing sports.