You’ve never jumped into frigid Wyoming waters in the middle of winter? Well, Special Olympics Wyoming wants to help you change that this year.

The Powell Police Department and local Special Olympics athletes are teaming up to host Powell’s annual Jackalope Jump on Friday, March 27 — and they’re hoping that dozens of local residents will jump with them into an icy pool.

The Jackalope Jump was held at Powell High School for the first time last year “and we had a record turnout,” said Officer Matt Koritnik, who helps organize the Powell event. “Our goal for 2020 is to have 20 teams jump with us.”

The concept is simple: Participants raise a minimum of $50 per team member (teams of 4-plus) or, $100 per individual and then take the leap into a pool set up outside PHS. All funds raised go to support programming and events for more than 1,900 athletes statewide.

“It’s a great way for everyone — individuals, organizations and businesses — to get involved in supporting Special Olympics Wyoming,” organizers say, adding, “They’re the kind of fun and thrilling events that you really have to experience to understand.”

Special Olympics Wyoming is a not-for-profit organization providing year-round sports training, athletic competition and other related programs to children and adults with intellectual disabilities; offering them continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. The organization says it “changes lives by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect.”

For more information, contact Koritnik at mattkoritnik@gmail.com or sign up at www.bit.ly/3aWI96W.