‘Jackalope Jump’ This Friday at the Casper Family Aquatic Center

Despite anticipated near-freezing and below-freezing temperatures throughout much of central Wyoming on Friday, a handful of brave and hearty souls will take an icy plunge for a good cause Friday evening.

Special Olympics Wyoming will hold its 2013 Jackalope Jump fundraiser Friday evening at the Casper Family Aquatic Center.

Dubbed “penguin plunges” or “polar plunges” in other parts of the country, participants at the event will be diving into a portable swimming pool filled with icy water. Priscilla Dowse, the president and CEO of Special Olympics Wyoming, says registration will take place throughout Friday morning and afternoon.

“During the day, people can register at Western Vista Bank until 4:00 p.m., then we’ll open up registration at 5:00 p.m. at the Casper Family Aquatic Center,” Douse said. “We’ll take the dive at 6:30 p.m.”

Douse says Friday’s event will kick off the 2013 Jackalope Jump season. Additional Jackalope Jump events will take place in Cheyenne and Gillette on Saturday and in Sheridan, Riverton and Star Valley on Mar. 2.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Special Olympics Wyoming and spectators are encouraged to attend. More information can be found at Special Olympics Wyoming’s website.