Jackalope Jump fundraiser set for April 5 splash

The annual Jackalope Jump, a fundraiser for Hot Springs County Special Olympics will be on Friday, April 5. Those willing to brave some chilly waters can jump into a pool on the high school grounds. Registration begins at noon.

Advisor Tom Olsen noted the event is the big fundraiser for the year. There are Special Olympians athletes in the school district and adult athletes, he explained, and the funds go to providing for the adults to go on the trips.

In the fall, the athletes go to Riverton for area games and Casper for state games. In winter, it’s Meadowlark for area games and Jackson for state, and in spring the area games are in Cody and the state games are in Laramie. Funds go to hotel rooms, registrations fees and meals, as well as activities in the hosting cities.

Funds also go to Wyoming representatives such as Spencer Luce to travel to Washington, D.C. Olsen said Dave Hansen, who is the Athlete Impact Council chair, goes to various meetings and funds help pay for travel expenses.

Olsen expressed his appreciation to the school district for the support they have provided the program, and noted the high school student council is sponsoring the Jackalope Jump. The council also set forth a challenge to the middle school to see who can raise the most money.

Olsen and his wife Lauri, who is a Special Olympics coach, also take the adult athletes out to local businesses to ask for donations, and he noted their generosity and support is appreciated as well.

Those who would like to contribute to the Special Olympics program can call Olsen at 864-4122.

Olsen and his wife have been working with the Special Olympics program for about 10 years, and the jump for six. Of working with the program he said, “In the 30-plus years of teaching, this is one of my greatest passions.”