Organizers with Logan County Special Olympics opted to host a slightly different Polar Plunge event this year, in light of the pandemic, but still continuing fundraising for Special Olympics Ohio athletes, with the theme, “Plunge Your Own Way.”
Local individuals found their own creative ways raise funds individually, from dumping ice over their heads, creating snow angels, eating ice cream or jumping in a cold water bath or shower.
Saturday afternoon, a group of supporters also gathered at Old Field Beach for a 2021 Special Olympics Polar Plunge finale to pay tribute to athletes and friends who passed away in 2020.
“We met at Old Field Beach, site of past plunges. We didn’t have to break the ice because we didn’t have to jump in the water this year,” said Rose Canter, Logan County Special Olympics coordinator.
“We had a short memorial service with music, and after each name was called, a balloon with their name was released in their memory. We had 11 balloons, including one with our largest supporter of the annual Polar Plunge, Sharon Boggs. Her fiancée Mike Brewer released her balloon.”
Afterward, the group shared additional memories and stories and sang the song, “Go Out with a Bang.”