Hardy Volunteers Polar Plunged for Special Olympics
 Some 144 plungers jumped into frigid waters at Onota Lake to raise more than $50,000 for the Special Olympics. See more photos here. |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It isn't every day that a swimming pool is planted right next to Onota Lake.
Saturday morning, however, the pool was the main attraction, as spectators cheered for the 144 participants who plunged into its icy, brown waters.
The third annual Polar Plunge was organized by Officers Darren Derby and John Bassi of the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Participants raised approximately $50,000 for the Special Olympics Massachusetts.
Pittsfield held one of three Plunges that took place throughout the state this weekend. Combined with Wilbraham and Sharon, the Law Enforcement Torch Run raised $88,000.
While participation decreased from last year, Pittsfield's participants outnumbered the 94 and 96 in Wilbraham and Sharon, respectively.
Derby said the reason for the lower participation was, predictably, the weather.
"It's no colder than it was last year," he said.
But because of concerns over the forecast for wind and frigid temperatures, the city requested that the event be moved from Onota Lake for everyone's safety.
The pool was filled from from a nearby fire hydrant. Other accommodations for the severe cold included medical support in the form of emergency vehicles, including volunteers and resources from surrounding towns such as Hinsdale.
Since the event took place on Valentine's Day, the theme was love. In that spirit, the organizers offered to have available a justice of the peace for any frozen couple who wished to take the plunge.
However, no one took their vows after jumping into the pool.
Participants of all ages, from teenagers to those in their 60s, jumped as individuals and as part of teams and organizations.
The Towne Tavern team came from as far west as Averill Park, N.Y., but the longest journeying participant traveled from Framingham.
Despite the decrease in participation, disappointment in the change of venue quickly subsided and enthusiasm ran high.
The event was also broadcast live on YouTube for the first time.
Plunging styles varied widely, from timid jumps that left hair dry to a confident, full belly flop with large, intentional splashes, and still others who swam across the pool to warmth.
Water was certainly lost through the course of the event.
The cold, wet participants ran to the pavilion immediately following their jump to warm up and change clothes.
After gaining feeling back in their limbs, the festivities continued with a costume contest and the Chili Chowder Festival. Participants and spectators alike warmed up with soups and beverages provided by area restaurants.
Like many participants, veteran jumper Kris McLaughlin, and the nine other members of the sheriff's department team each raised $100. The participants were "freezing for a reason": the Massachusetts Special Olympics mission to provide training, experience, education, and programming for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Tags: fundraiser, Special Olympics,
