Charity Sports Wyoming

Special Olympics Wyoming Surpasses $125,000 in Donations During 2025 Jackalope Jump Season

Special Olympics Wyoming Surpasses $125,000 in Donations During 2025 Jackalope Jump Season
Hartly Washington, a Powell Middle School special education teacher, takes the plunge during this year’s Jackalope Jump in late March. From left, Maggie Purdum and Bennett Purdum, Rick Mertz of Big Horn Enterpises, and Washington. In front is Powell Police Officer Matt Koritnik (Tribune file photo by Braden Schiller)
  • PublishedApril 23, 2025

Special Olympics Wyoming has concluded its 2025 Jackalope Jump fundraising season, raising more than $127,000 through a series of cold-water plunge events held across the state, Powell Tribune reports.

This year’s theme, “Camo for a Cause/Freezin’ for a Reason,” inspired over 559 participants to brave icy waters at 13 different locations. The funds raised will directly support more than 2,000 Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners across Wyoming by helping cover the costs of competition medals, equipment maintenance, and the organization of statewide and local events throughout the year.

One of the many community members to participate was Hartly Washington, a special education teacher from Powell Middle School, who took the plunge alongside students and supporters in late March. Local groups such as Big Horn Enterprises and the Powell Police Department were also represented at the event.

According to Special Olympics Wyoming, the 2025 campaign ranks among the most successful in its history. The organization extended its gratitude to all volunteers, donors, and participants who contributed to the season’s success and helped create lasting impacts in the lives of athletes.

Those interested in supporting future events or exploring volunteer opportunities are encouraged to contact the Special Olympics Wyoming state office at 307-235-3062.

Joe Yans

Joe Yans is a 25-year-old journalist and interviewer based in Cheyenne, Wyoming. As a local news correspondent and an opinion section interviewer for Wyoming Star, Joe has covered a wide range of critical topics, including the Israel-Palestine war, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the 2024 U.S. presidential election, and the 2025 LA wildfires. Beyond reporting, Joe has conducted in-depth interviews with prominent scholars from top US and international universities, bringing expert perspectives to complex global and domestic issues.