By Eric Starling / For the Reporter

Special Olympics of Alabama provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Currently they offer 20 different sports in the state of Alabama.

All of these opportunities require funding, and a large part of that funding comes from events held by the Alabama law enforcement community.

Saturday’s sixth annual Polar Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park was the kick-off event of 2016 for the law enforcement community. In Alabama, there are more than 14,000 athletes participating annually.

According to Deputy Debbie Sumrall with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, the monies raised each year are used for expenses such as travel, training, uniforms and everything surrounding the events.

With approximately 100 participants in this year’s Polar Plunge, there was more than $11,000 raised at this first event. Many local businesses fielded teams along with law enforcement and fire departments from the surrounding areas. With large bonfires burning to help warm them up, the participants plunged into the 40-degree waters at Oak Mountain beach.

Prior to the actual plunge, those participants that chose to “dress for the occasion,” were judged in the annual costume contest.  Last year’s mermaid winner was back again to compete, but the award went to the Shelby County 911 Trolls with Lucy the dog troll.

Special Olympics is an inclusive and accepting event for the children and adults involved, and law enforcement also carries the Flame of Hope to the opening ceremonies for each event at every level.

While the joy and excitement is seen on the participant’s faces, Sumrall said that the law enforcement agents that are involved also share in that joy and excitement because it is something that is near and dear to their hearts.

To learn more about Special Olympics of Alabama and see how you can volunteer or donate, visit Specialolympicsalabama.com.