Polar Plunge Draws Thousands

Some plunge, some watch, all for Special Olympics

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By Kirsten Swann

Story Created: Dec 19, 2011 at 9:47 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Dec 19, 2011 at 10:33 AM AKDT

In the summer, Goose Lake is a popular swimming hot spot and picnic area.

While it’s been frozen over now for several weeks, that didn’t stop hundreds of Alaskans from suiting up and jumping in.

Some 1,200 people made the plunge – event organizers say this is the biggest Polar Plunge to date, drawing thousands of spectators and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for Special Olympics Alaska.

For some people, no temperature is too cold when it comes to giving back. Just a week before Christmas, hundreds of Alaskans headed for a small patch of water cut into the ice at Goose Lake. Officials from the Special Olympics say the Polar Plunge fundraiser has grown exponentially, and plungers say it’s becoming a bit of a winter tradition.

But after the jump, there’s only one thing on their minds – climbing out. And Special Olympics athletes are waiting on the other side to warm them up again.

It’s a strictly Alaskan way of giving back, and saying thanks.

The event raised more than $300,000 for Special Olympics Alaska, and organizers say that money will go towards funding training programs and community events throughout the state.

Organizers say they actually had to cap registrations this year because there was so much interest, so make sure to sign up early if you plan on jumping next year. You can find that information on the ‘links’ page on ktva.com.

 

 

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