Participants brave cold icy waters of Polar Plunge

JACKSON, Tenn. – Some West Tennesseans were dreaming of summer sun on a very rainy Saturday.

“A lot of excitement, good music, good friends, a lot of fellowship just kind of hanging out and then watching everybody jump in the water,” said Randi Ezelle, director of Special Olympics.

The annual polar plunge is a special way for participants to plunge into the freezing water at Aloha Pools and Spa, wearing costumes to raise money to sponsor local athletes.

“This is for Special Olympic athletes to use throughout the year for their training, equipment, and awards and travel and things like that,” Ezelle said.

One student from Peabody High School in Trenton explains why she decided to volunteer for the event.

“We do Special Olympics in our county as well, but then when our student council advisor told us to do a Polar Plunge, it sounded really, really fun, so we wanted to see what it was all about,” said volunteer Makayla Walters.

40 people broke out their swimwear and took an icy dip in the water for the annual Polar Plunge, including three students from Peabody High School.

“Gets pretty cold when I jump in, but I think it will be fun overall,” Polar Plunge participant Caly Whitwell said.

“This is my second year doing it, so I know how it is, and it’s really fun,” fellow participant Josi Greene said.

“I am pretty excited about it since I’ve never jumped. I did registration last year, so I don’t really know what to expect, but I am kind of nervous,” said student Scarlett Bell.

Organizers say they’ll continue to support the Polar Plunge.

“We plan on doing this as long as they’ll have us. We enjoy it and it’s for a great cause,” said Robbie Bass, the team leader at Aloha Pool and Spa.

The plunge was organized by the Jackson Recreation and Parks Department.

Winners received trophies as prizes for the “Best Plunger” and best costume.