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‘Freezin’ for a reason’
BY ALYSSA ANTTILA
STATESMAN STAFF WRITER
ISSUE: 78/17
PREVIEW:
Imagine jumping into the largest and one of the coldest lakes in the world in the middle of February. Would you do it? How about to raise money for a special cause? Sounds crazy, but UMD students and members of the community will do just that on Feb. 2, when they take part in the annual Polar Bear Plunge.
“The Polar Bear Plunge, which is presented by Minnesota Law Enforcement to benefit Special Olympics and part of the year-round fundraising of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, is a unique opportunity for individuals, organizations and businesses to support Special Olympics,” said Danielle Foreman, a volunteer helping with the plunge.
However, the Polar Bear Plunge isn’t just taking place in Duluth. Cities across the state that have already taken the plunge include White Bear Lake and Willmar, during the month of January. Throughout February, other cities will participate, including Rochester, St. Peter and Minneapolis. “The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is to raise funds for, and awareness of, the Special Olympics movement worldwide,” Foreman said.
The Special Olympics is a foundation that allows people with various disabilities to participate in sporting events much like those of the regular Olympics that are held every four years. The philosophy of the Special Olympics as noted on their Web site (www.specialolympicsminnesota.org), is, “Special Olympics Minnesota believes that through sports training and competition, people with intellectual disabilities benefit physically, mentally, socially and spiritually; families are strengthened; and the community at large, both through participation and observation, is united in understanding people with intellectual disabilities in an environment of equality, respect and acceptance.”
Some student organizations volunteering at the event include Phi Sigma Sigma and Tau Kappa Epsilon.
“I think jumping into a freezing lake is considered to be crazy and a lot of people would pay to see someone do it,” said sophomore and member of Phi Sigma Sigma Vanessa Hurst.
This will be Hurst’s second year taking the plunge and the sorority’s fifth year participating.
Last year Hurst got lucky, though. It ended up being too cold to jump into the lake, so the event was moved and jumpers plunged into large pools.
“I’m a bit nervous because I heard it’s far worse than the pools we jumped into last year,” Hurst said. “But at the same time, I’m very excited because I will be jumping with all of my sisters and it will be another bonding experience.” With all the proceeds from the event going toward the Special Olympics, the funds are going to a good cause, which Hurst agrees with. It’s not surprising that many people would think jumping into the lake is crazy.
“I know it sounds extreme, but it’s reassuring to know that no one has died, so I think I’ll be OK,” said Hurst. Registration for the event is still open. To register visit www.specialolympicsminnesota.org and click on “Register to Plunge.”
