13th Annual Special Olympics Georgia Polar Plunge Challenge By Traci Sanders
The average temperature in Georgia during the month of February is in the mid-fifties, which means lake temperatures will be at least ten to twelve degrees colder. Would you jump into those icy waters on a winter day? On February 19th, a group of brave individuals will do just that! Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) will hold its 13th Annual Polar Plunge Challenge, a huge fundraising effort benefiting Special Olympics and the athletes. This electrifying event will take place at Acworth Beach at Cable Park on Lake Acworth. In order to participate, individuals or teams collect pledges from friends, family, and colleagues to lock in their spot. SOGA also partners each year with local businesses and organizations to raise money for these athletes. “The more we raise, the more athletes we impact,” said Marketing and Events Manager Catherine Justice.
This year SOGA has teamed up with three police agencies: Gwinnett County Police Department, Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office, and Lilburn Police Department. Private donations for this event are being accepted on each agency’s website. Specifically, these organizations sponsor SOGA through the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which improves the lives of those with intellectual disabilities by providing year-round sports training and by covering food and travel accommodations for the athletes who compete. This is a cause that hits home for many of these officers. Therefore, some participate in the Polar Plunge, while others donate their time in other aspects, such as raising funds and managing security for the events. More information about the Torch Run can be found at https://www. specialolympicsga.org/torch-run/ The admins and coordinators at SOGA are highly involved in these events and many even brave the icy waters and take the plunge with the athletes. This year the goal is $200,000 and they are confident they’ll meet it, with the help of the police officers and private citizens. Preset donations ranging from $25 to $1,000, or custom contributions, can be made on the SOGA website. Spectators are welcome to come out to this event to cheer on these “plungers” and support this great cause. More information at https://www.classy.org/event/polar-plunge-2022/ e371535.
Health Matters Continued from page 10 Kinesiology is an anatomical science that focuses on treating connective tissue, joints, muscles, and tendons, connecting the science of muscular and skeletal movement. Kinesiology aims to maintain balance in the muscles and adjoining tissues. One method of doing this is by wrapping the muscles, and surrounding tissues with supportive material called kinesiology tape. The vibe plate is a platform exercise machine that distributes Oscillating Vibration Technology, the safest form of vibration. The vibe plate has multiple benefits, which include: weight loss, reducing cellulite and inflammation, improving circulation and lymphatic drainage, toning muscles and skin, and improving flexibility, range of motion, balance, and mobility. Feel free to contact our office for more information. I look forward to working with you. Dr. Friebel is a Chiropractor at Dr. Chris’ Natural Remedies in Snellville. More information at https://www.drchrisnaturalremedies. com/about-us/the-benefits-of-therapeutic-services or 770.979.5125
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Dr. Jasmine Hawkins was born and raised in Laplace, Louisiana and attended Alcorn State University where she obtained her Jasmine Hawkins was Afterwards, born and raised in Laplace, attended Alcorn Medical State Center bachelor’s Dr. in pre medicine/biochemistry. she attended medical Louisiana school at theand University of Mississippi University she obtained herinbachelor’s in pre medicine/biochemistry. Afterwards, and joined the OB/GYN where residency upon graduation 2017. Her love for women’s health started as a senior in high school when sheJasmine became interested in born teen and health advocacy andUniversity since then expounded as she continued to obtainand knowledge inthe the field. sheHawkins attended medical school the of Mississippi Medical Center joined Dr. was raised inat Laplace, Louisiana and attended Alcorn State University where she obtained her Dr. Hawkins is married with 2 children, enjoys sportsshe (especially traveling, reading James Patterson and bachelor’s in OB/GYN pre medicine/biochemistry. Afterwards, attended medical school thecooking, University of Mississippi Medical Center residency upon graduation in 2017.baseball), Her love foratwomen’s health started as a John graduation Grisham andin spending time with family andhealth friends. and joined the OB/GYN residency upon 2017. Her love for women’s started as a senior in high school when senior in high school when she became interested in teen health advocacy and since then she became interested in teen health advocacy and since then expounded as she continued to obtain knowledge in the field. expounded as she continued to obtain knowledge in the field. Dr. Hawkins is married with 2 children, enjoys sports (especially baseball), traveling, cooking, reading James Patterson and Dr. Hawkins is marriedJohn withGrisham 2 children, enjoys time sports baseball), traveling, cooking, and spending with(especially family and friends.
reading James Patterson and John Grisham and spending time with family and friends.
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