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Jumpers Raise $10,000 Plus for Special Olympics

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Nearly 30 jumpers took the plunge into ice-filled water Saturday to raise funds for this year’s Special Olympics athletes.

Carrie Pilcher, who’s the Area IV director for Special Olympics Wyoming, said the Jackalope Jump in Sheridan raised an unofficial total of more than $10,200. She said all the money raised stays local.

Pilcher, whose territory includes five northeast Wyoming counties, said the Sheridan jump was one of 20 held around the state this year.

The first jumper does a fancy dive. (Photo by Pat Blair)

She said this is the 13th or 14th year for the jump in Sheridan, which is held at the Goose Valley Fire Department.

Jeannie Ellinger, who’s a Special Olympics coach and athlete, said the pool is set up and filled with water the night before the event, and the water is very, very cold. Ellinger wasn’t jumping this year, but she said from 2009 until three years ago, she took the Jackalope Jump plunge every year.

To keep the water cold, volunteers made sure there was plenty of ice in the pool.

A jumper emerges from the pool. (Photo by Pat Blair)

In addition to hosting the event, members of the Goose Valley Fire Department donate and set up the pool.

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