A year ago the annual polar bear plunge involved a lot less work for organizers.
This year they’ll need a lot of elbow grease, faced with two feet of ice coating the waters off the Marina Park boat launch, where the Special Olympics fundraiser will be held on Saturday morning.
Organizer Warren Giertuga on Thursday said a little hard work never hurt anyone, especially for such a great cause.
“It’s our fourth year now and all proceeds go to support Special Olympics Ontario and athletes with disabilities,” Giertuga said.
“We have some athletes who are actually jumping in the lake with us this year and we have participation from the public school board. We’ve got four public high schools who have submitted teams to jump in. We have businesses and community groups and law enforcement agencies.”
Springtime or not, Lake Superior is plenty chilly at this time of year, but Giertuga said they’re taking every precaution to ensure it’s a fun day in the water.
There will be a warm-up tent on site and paramedics in attendance.
“I just tell people, make sure you bring out shoes and a housecoat or towel to warm up afterward. But again, it’s a fun event and just the environment and excitement keeps the adrenaline going,” he said.
Son Dalton will also be making the plunge on Saturday.
He stuck his legs in the frigid, ice-covered water Thursday, and seemed none the worse for wear afterward.
“It’s cold, but it’s a real fun experience for everyone,” said Giertuga, nominated earlier this year for an Ontario Junior Citizen Award.
“Anyone who wants to come in, they should. I think it’s a really good event for Special Olympics. It raises a lot of money and it’s really fun for everyone.”
Father Warren said adults are being asked to collect at least $100 in pledges, while students should collect $75. A hot lunch will be provided. About 100 entrants have signed up to date, with double that expected on Saturday.
In previous years the event has raised about $44,000 combined, with more than $15,000 pledged already in 2013.
Registration is from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, when the Polar Plunge is scheduled to start.
