This is why we take the plunge

As Anita Tinsley watches her daughter attend dances, play athletics and interact with her peers, emotions are high because she was told her daughter did not have a long life expectancy.

Tinsley's daughter, Tiana Allen, now enjoys performing in athletics, singing karaoke, going to the movies, and working, similar to other 29 year-old women.

"Tiana loves being in the spot light. That's just one thing I love about her. She's a joy," Tinsley said.

While Allen brings joy to those around her, there were some that were skeptical about her survival. After birth, Allen was not expected by doctors to live long or have a bright future. The reason: Allen has downs syndrome, a condition cause by an extra chromosome that results in some intellectual disability.

Instead of accepting the doctors' pessimistic reports, Anita Tinsley believed in Allen and treated her as though she were normal. With Tinsely's care, Allen has become a beautiful woman who works at a local Lynchburg company and participates in the Special Olympics here in Virginia.

"Tiana plays basketball, volleyball, track and field, but volleyball is her favorite," Tinsley said.

Seeing the athletes high-five and cheer each other on like other children and adults, it bring joy to the special athletes and their families. Special Olympics provides the opportunity for athletes with intellectual disabilities to enjoy each other's talents.

"God made me and God doesn't make mistakes," Katherine Olsen, a Special Olympics athlete said.

The Special Olympics understands this concept, and has provided a way for athletes to train and compete athletically free of charge.

"Our Purpose is to give those, who otherwise would never have the opportunity, the chance to compete competitively," Josh Walker, director of Special Olympics Piedmont region said.

In order to provide those services, Special Olympics will be holding a Polar Plunge Festival to raise awareness and funds for the cause of helping these special athletes have opportunities that everyone deserves.

The festival will be held February 26th, at 10 a.m. at Camp Hydaway and local residents will plunge in chilly water in support of their fellow citizens.

"I hope that the community will get to know the Special Olympic athletes in the area; they have so much joy to give," Tinsley said.