Ohio University students plunged into Lake Snowden Saturday in support of a cause boasting the slogan “Freezin’ for a Reason.”
Phi Kappa Theta fraternity and the OU Police Department co-sponsored the Polar Bear Plunge, which encouraged students to jump into the 33-degree water to raise money for Special Olympics Ohio.
A total of $26,000 was raised and additional donations are still being collected.
The theme of this year’s plunge was “retro.” Costumed leapers, ranging from hippies to Rubik’s Cubes, jumped around in the snow together to stay warm.
As the names of the teams were yelled into a megaphone, droves of nearly naked participants charged into the icy lake.
Scuba divers floated in the water to protect people from injuries and ambulances were on site to treat potential hypothermia cases.
About 260 OU students and employees and Athens residents participated.
Among them were OU Dean of Students Ryan Lombardi, who plunged with Phi Kappa Theta’s team, and Athens Mayor Paul Wiehl, who plunged with the OU Police Department team.
Lombardi, dressed in shorts and an OU T-shirt, said this was his first year attending the event and that he didn’t know what to expect.
“I’m here to support and do anything I can to raise awareness,” Lombardi said. “I think it’s awesome to see so many people support the Special Olympics, and the collaboration between students, the OUPD and the community is just awesome.”
Wiehl, who jumped in the water dressed in a monk’s robe, said every year has a good turnout, and he always has fun — despite the cold.
“I’m dressed as some kind of mad monk because anyone to jump in that water has to be mad,” he joked.
Participants were asked to raise at least $50, and those who did received a free T-shirt and a wristband for free wings at the Buffalo Wild Wings afterparty.
However, some students such as Hannah Nelson, a freshman studying nursing, raised much higher than the minimum.
“This philanthropy is really close to my heart because my little brother has a disability,” Nelson said. “I individually raised over $300 for him and the organization.”
tl674710@ohiou.edu
