The chill is the thrill at polar plunge

Saturday, 25 February 2006

Cedar Point beach to be one of five sites for shivery swim next Saturday.

By BRANDI BARHITE
brandibarhite@sanduskyregister.com

SANDUSKY - The screaming will start two months early at Cedar Point.

The first Polar Bear Plunge will take place at Cedar Point next Saturday afternoon, courtesy of Special Olympics Ohio.

At least 50 participants are expected to participate in the dip into the frosty lake, whose temperature is predicted to be about 38 degrees.

"People in the Sandusky area really wanted to start a plunge," said Paige Ludwig, marketing director of Special Olympics Ohio.

Cedar Point is one of five locations for plunges in Ohio this year. Ashtabula, Newport on the Levee, Columbus and New Carlisle are the others. Newport on the Levee is across the Ohio River from Cincinnati in Newport, Ky.

Last year, the plunges raised more than $125,000 for Special Olympics Ohio.

All money raised at the end will benefit Special Olympics Ohio and the local athletes of northwestern Ohio.

Plungers are expected to raise a minimum of $75 to run, jump, walk or crawl into the water, Ludwig said.

"You can wear anything you want, just not a wet suit -- that is considered cheating," she said.

Cedar Point spokesman Bryan Edwards said the park is donating the use of Hotel Breakers for the event. Cedar Point is also providing the use of the beach and bathrooms.

"It is to raise money for a good cause," Edwards said. "It is something different, something neat.

"I am sure it is freezing. They are braver than me," he said.

Registration starts at 11 a.m. in the lobby near the entrance of TGI Friday's on the beach. Opening ceremonies, including the costume parade and costume contest, start at 1:20 p.m. The plunge will take place at 1:40 p.m.

The after-plunge party and awards ceremony will be at the Thirsty Pony in Sandusky.

Participants receive the official Polar Bear Plunge T-shirt, but can earn additional prizes for raising more money. Anyone raising a minimum of $150 will receive an embroidered towel; $300, a travel bag; $500, a fleece blanket; and $1,000, a robe. The top fundraisers will receive additional prizes.

Special Olympics is the world's largest program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

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