“Polar Plunge” helps local Special Olympians

Gifford Pinchot State Park in York County was the venue for the 9th Annual Harrisburg Polar Plunge on Saturday.
Hosted by Special Olympics PA Area M, the Polar Plunge gives people a chance to have fun and support local special olympics athletes at the same time.
Plungers ran into the icy cold water for a quick and very cold dip.
Those who wanted to stay dry, known as the “Chicken Plungers,” danced around the lake.
This year’s event drew more than 700 plungers, each raising at least $50.00.
Polar Plunge was supposed to take place on City Island earlier this month, but the weather forced a change of venue.
Organizer Kristie Davis says, “On the beach where we typically have the event, there are stacks of ice over 10 feet tall. So originally we postponed it thinking we would be able to still have it on City Island, but the weather over the past few weeks, they’ve just gotten worse so thankfully we were able to have it here at Gifford Pinchot State Park. It worked out really well.”
“It’s for good cause what we’re doing.”
“It’s an awesome event. We love it, can’t wait to come back next year,” said some of the wet plungers after taking a dip.
Proceeds from the plunge also benefit thousands of local children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Area M serves Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry and northern York counties.