VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — I'm trying to remember how long it's been since I've been on skates. But that's what I did for this story in a meet-up with someone who's all too familiar with spending time on the ice.
Daniel King, a Special Olympian and a competitive speed skater, and I laced up our skates at the Iceland Skating Center in Virginia Beach. He was very kind while I was trying to keep up with him.
"You're doing great," he said as he blazed ahead of me.
He slowed down enough for our chat on the ice. He described the feeling of skating to me, saying, "[I feel] energized, happy. [I'm] glad I could have a blast skating with friends, other people, making new friends."
Daniel has been speed skating with the Special Olympics for about nine years. In fact, he's competed in several sports for the Special Olympics — something that means so much to his mom, Darlene King.
"It means that our kids can be treated as equals," she explained.
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She says it has definitely boosted her son's confidence.
"Knowing just because I have a disability doesn't mean I'm unable to do anything," he said.
Daniel has a big international competition coming up.
"In March, I will be representing the United States at the World Winter Games for Special Olympics speed ice skating in Turin, Italy," he shared.
But first, there's another event closer to home he's looking forward to: next week's Polar Plunge at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
The Polar Plunge is the largest fundraiser for Special Olympics Virginia, according to the nonprofit's Special Events Manager, McKenzie Dunford.
"Last year, we raised $1.6 million, and the goal this year is actually 1.6 million. So we're hoping to reach that goal and exceed that goal for 2025. The money that we raise at Polar Plunge goes to Daniel and 20,000 Special Olympics athletes in the state of Virginia," she shared. "[The money goes to] any sport that we do in the state of Virginia. So that includes speed skating... basketball, volleyball, soccer, rollerblading, pickleball, anything and everything really."
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Daniel, a dedicated plunger, stressed the importance of supporting the annual plunge.
"It gives athletes like me a chance to interact doing sports that we weren't able to do in schools. And every little thing helps. The money that is given can help with athletes getting new equipment for the sports," he explained.
For all that Daniel is doing to raise awareness for the Special Olympics and support the Polar Plunge, we presented him with a News 3 Everyday Hero award and a $300 Visa gift card from our community partner Southern Bank.
"Thank you. It's gonna go all towards Special Olympics," Daniel said upon receiving the award.
If you want to support Special Olympians like Daniel, click here.
This year's Polar Plunge in Virginia Beach is Feb. 8. For more information, click here.
