CHESAPEAKE, VA — The Polar Plunge—it is right around the corner—the Special Olympics' largest fundraiser. We're about to hear from one of the Special Olympians who benefits from when you support the Polar Plunge and is also helps raise money for the organization plus—she is this week's News 3 Every Day Hero.
We caught up with Kaitlin Dykes during her basketball practice with fellow Special Olympians at the Deep Creek Community Center.
Kaitlin has been a competitor for more than 10 years, "I like basketball because I like to hang out with my team while shooting hoops and spreading, spreading joy and encouraging each other."
It's not just hoops, Kaitlin plays soccer for Special Olympics as well as softball, and participates in new sailing program, "Playing sports helps me make friends, and finding Special Olympics has helped me find a place where I belong." That's why this program is so important says Sherry York, a coordinator and dedicated volunteer for Special Olympics, "Most of these athletes have never had this opportunity before. In school, they were never selected to be on the teams. They were never allowed to try out. Here, everyone is on the same playing level, and they all get that same opportunity."
Kaitlin's mother, Patrice Dykes agrees, "You know, Special Olympics has really helped her to be more athletic, but it's also helped her to learn some leadership skills, some public speaking skills. That's training she got from Special Olympics Virginia."
Which York believes speaks to why it's so important to support their largest fundraiser, the Polar Plunge, "That helps fund our program! Special Olympics is at no cost to our athletes. No cost for uniforms, which we are passing out today. No cost for travel, no cost to go to tournaments. Everything for these athletes is at no cost."
Kaitlin, who's been plunging since 2014, is gearing up for the one next month. Two years ago, Kaitlin who also has the title Special Olympics Global Messenger, was featured in a News 3 Polar Plunge promo.
So for all Kaitlin does—raising awareness, raising money for Special Olympics—we presented her with a News 3 Every Day Hero award along with a $300 Visa gift card from our community partner Southern Bank
If you want support Caitlin in her efforts to raise money for Special Olympics by plunging in the chilly Atlantic, click here:
