Third annual WMU Polar Plunge benefits Special Olympics of Mich.

By Megan Higdon
Western Herald

Polar Plunge 2010 from Fritz Klug on Vimeo.

There’s a four-foot deep pool in the middle of Lawson Ice Arena. The crowd roars, dressed in an array of “stylish” costumes. They have come to jump into the ice filled waters.

It’s the annual Western Michigan University Polar Plunge.

The Western Student Association hosted the third annual plunge, in collaboration with the Special Olympics of Michigan, on Saturday, March 20 at the Lawson Ice Arena.

Over 60 people took the plunge into the icy pool; young and old, students and community members. Even Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell took the plunge.

Mayor Hopewell was the first to jump in, followed by WSA President Nate Knappen.

“Special Olympics does great work,” Hopewell said. “I am always proud to support the Broncos.”

There was a wide variety of costumes: one plunger dressed up as a “spring” while another colored himself to be the Incredible Hulk. After the plungers dove, WSA held a post-plunge party, where pizza was served and the Golden Plungers were awarded. Golden Plunger Awards were given to participants for most money raised, oldest plunger, youngest plunger, and best costumes.

Judges for the costume contest were Provost Tim Greene, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Diane Anderson, and Special Olympian Tracy McHugh.

McHugh has been involved with the SOMI for 17 years and participates in both the Winter and Summer Olympics – running the 400 meter and 800 meter dash and participating in downhill skiing.

McHugh said what she likes most about the Special Olympics is being around her friends and meeting people.

“It’s a very good opportunity to get involved with,” McHugh said of the plunge.

Tom Dowdall, development manager for the southwest branch of Special Olympics Michigan, announced at the post-plunge party that around $375,000 had been raised from the 19 plunges around Michigan, and between $7,000 and $8,000 was raised at the Kalamazoo plunge, with more donations still rolling in. A $50 entry fee was required, and more money could be donated.

“It was a great event, very well organized, [it] went over like clock-work,” Dowdall said. “Each of these events gets better and better.”

Dowdall enjoys seeing so many people participate in the Special Olympics, adding that it is important to educate people with intellectual and physical disabilities about the games.

“It becomes a social movement,” he said. “It’s up to us to educate people.”

Despite many shocked faces from the temperature of the chilly pool, most walked away with smiles.

“I think it went really well,” Polar Plunge Event Coordinator Aaron Booth said. “We had a lot more plungers than last year.”

“I’m kind of mad I didn’t plunge,” he said.

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