Law enforcement and Special Olympians take a dip for donations
{Contributed photo}
The Triad Chill is returning with a unique fundraising opportunity for individuals, organizations and businesses to support Special Olympics NC by jumping into the frigid water at Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe on Feb. 25.
Members of the Davidson County Sheriff's Office and Special Olympians will team up to represent Davidson County. The Triad Chill supports programs of Special Olympics athletes.
Stephanie Wilkerson is a championship-winning athlete and organizer with Special Olympics. She shares her excitement about the event's return on Saturday.
Stephanie Wilkerson Has Jumped Over Many Obstacles In Her 31 Years. She Began Riding Horses At Age Eight; She Commenced Competing In Special Olympics In 2015 Shortly Before Being Thrown From A Horse That She Says “Just Got Spooked.” That Accident Led To Five Surgeries That Include Removing Bone From Her Hip To Her Fractured Forearm. The East Davidson High School Alumna Takes It All In Stride.
“She’s always liked playing sports but they discouraged her from trying out for school teams,” Stephanie’s mother, Lori, explained.
“After I graduated,” Stephanie said, “I wanted to get back into sports because I wanted to be a social butterfly and play.” She has competed in cheer, gymnastics, softball, equestrian and unified tennis. Equestrian is her favorite. “I like to be around the horses.” Stephanie has won a host of medals through the years - 17 gold, nine silver and two bronze. But who’s counting?
Those who know Wilkerson will attest that sweeping the stage with three gold medals during last year’s Special Olympics Equestrian State Tournament speaks to her determination to do her best. According to mom Lori, it also speaks to the encouragement of support of those surrounding Wilkerson. As a middle school youth, Wilkerson was involved with Special Olympics as a cheerleader before being told by classmates that there was a “stigma” for athletes. She said she returned to competing because she felt “lonely.” Her mom says it’s been a big part of her life after high school. “She loves to be social and this is important to her.”
The groundbreaking Davidson County resident holds several statewide positions, notably Special Olympics Davidson County (SODC) Board Athlete Representative, Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) Global Messenger, Special Olympics North Carolina Athlete Ambassador, North Carolina Law Enforcement Torch Run (NC LETR) Athlete Ambassador and a Unified Leadership Trainer for Special Olympics of NC. She wants to see as many athletes experience the sense of pride she has through the competition. “It makes me happy. I feel like I accomplished something.”
Outside of plunging, Wilkerson is engaged in helping to plan the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics. The event to-be-announced for April is a “grass-roots fundraiser for Special Olympics.” Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope into the Opening Ceremony of local competitions, as well as into Special Olympics State, Provincial, National, Regional and World Games.”
This year, Wilkerson has stepped up to dip her toes for the organization that has formed a team with the name of Artic Chillers. She plans to plunge for schools on Friday and for a team plunge Saturday along with Corporal Jeremy Parks and Lieutenant Jonathan Todd from the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office. Note: Participants of all ages can plunge. All individuals under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by a legal guardian in person at the event at registration
Schedule of Events
Registration opens: 10 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Opening Ceremony, parade and awards: 11:30 a.m.
Plunge: 11:45 a.m.
Organizers note they are unable to provide any refunds for the event and thank donors for their generosity.
