It takes a hearty soul to jump into a freezing Pennsylvania lake in February and pay money to do it. But that’s what organizers of the first official Laurel Highlands Polar Plunge are counting on.
On Saturday, if people donate to Special Olympics of Pennsylvania, they can go jump in a lake. Last year, in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of Special Olympics, 40 sturdy individuals took part in a plunge at Quemahoning Reservoir near Boswell. Men and women wearing everything from swim trunks and bikinis to tuxedoes and costumes stepped or plunged into the freezing water.
Paula Eppley-Newman, Polar Plunge chairwoman and veteran participant, was so impressed with the turnout she decided to return to the reservoir and make the plunge the official kickoff for the region’s Special Olympics Winter Games, which begin Sunday across the Cambria-Somerset region.Registration begins at 9 a.m. and people will have an opportunity to enjoy Plunge Town, which will feature free food, warm beverages, music and games prior to the 1 p.m. immersion. For folks who want to help but are not yet ready to plunge, organizers are encouraging them to raise a minimum of $50 for a “Too Chicken to Plunge” donation. “Too Chicken to Plunge” members will receive their own “Too Chicken” long-sleeved T-shirt. Organizers are asking people to just walk in and out of the water.
“Even if you put one bare foot into the freezing water, then you have officially taken the plunge,” Eppley-Newman said. Eppley-Newman called last year’s plunge exhilarating.
“It was the most awesome fun ever,” she said. “I have rheumatoid arthritis, and my family thought I was nuts for doing this, but actually it was fun and exciting.”
There will be heated changing tents and bonfires for plungers and spectators to enjoy. Last year, it was necessary to use chain saws to slice through 15 inches of ice. But, because of unseasonably mild temperatures, that may not be a problem this year.“Quite frankly, we’re disappointed that there may be no ice on the lake,” Eppley-Newman said. “We will be offering people an opportunity to participate in beach volleyball.”
It is common for people participating in ice-cold swims to do it while wearing costumes.For that reason, Eppley-Newman said the organizing committee has adopted a Mardi Gras theme this year. “I anticipate that we will be seeing costumes that will relate to warm breezes, spring flowers and palm trees to add to the atmosphere,” she said. The committee hopes to draw between 300 to 400 people and raise nearly $100,000. “We have set lofty goals, and if we don’t reach that figure, it will give us a number to shoot for next winter,” she said. Although billed as a novel fundraiser, the focus is on helping raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics.
A contingent of hearty Special Olympic athletes also will take part in the plunge. Every participant is required to register.
What: Laurel Highlands Polar Plunge.
Where: Quemahoning Reservoir near Boswell.
When: Plunge takes place at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Registration: Visit www.specialolympicspa.org/polar-plunge or at 9 a.m. Saturday.
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