Taking the plunge for Special Olympics

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Posted: 2/24/10

At the 11th annual Polar Plunge, over 2,400 people jumped into the icy water of Lake Monona off of Olin Turville Park to benefit the Special Olympics on Feb. 20. The mood, despite the frigid water and snowy weather, was upbeat and cheerful. While standing in a long line, waiting to jump, plungers compared costumes. Some plungers were dressed as characters like Borat, surfers and Beyonce from her "Single Ladies" video, while other brave men just wore Speedos. After plunging into the frigid water, participants swam over to waiting hot tubs, which were on a nearby dock. Once warmed up, participants could change into dry clothes in changing rooms, grab a cup of hot cocoa and board a bus that would take them back to their cars at the Alliant Energy Center or the Coliseum Bar. Despite the cold water, the event was a huge success, leaving a smile on the faces of the jumpers.