The inaugural plunge in Warsaw for Special Olympics Saturday could be termed a success. The temperature was in the low 20s, compared to single digits earlier in the week, and the water temperature was estimated at 30 to 32 degrees.

Approximately 62 plungers participated in “Freezin’ For A Reason,” at Center Lake, Warsaw.

“It’s very good so far,” said Buzz Lail, northwest regional manager for Special Olympics. “So far the total is right at $12,000 on the fund raising, we may get over $13,000 for a first year event.”

Lail was pleased with the support from the Warsaw Community. “It’s been amazing,” he stated recognizing participation by Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer, Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mark Dobson, a number of teachers from Warsaw, Kosciusko and Fulton County Special Olympic Committee and many others in the plunge.

Even the Bone City Rollers, Warsaw’s roller derby team participated. The team has been volunteering with Special Olympics in a variety of ways, and one team member stated they were happy to participate in the event.

Acknowledgement of the efforts of the Warsaw Dive Team, Warsaw Police Department, Warsaw Fire Department and Multi-Township EMS who donated their service was beyond belief by Lail.

The event kicked off with the Special Olympics pledge before the Special Olympics Flame of Hope was lighted by Warsaw Police Officer Louis Fuller and handed off to Special Olympian Sandy Hunter. The duo carried the Flame of Hope onto the Center Lake Pier. Nearly 1,000 officers throughout the state have carried the flame for Special Olympics.

From there the plungers went out into the lake where divers from Warsaw Police and Fire Department were on hand for assistance. Mayor Joe Thallemer was the first to take the polar plunge.

“Invigorating, very, very, very cold,” stated Thallemer following his plunge. The mayor was the first person to sign up for the event. “It was a great experience,” said the first timer.

The mayor was excited about the number of participants and the “awesome time,” everyone was experience. “That’s the important thing.” The mayor admitted he was gently asked to participate. He even stated he would do it again.

“Never again,” “Where’s my towel?”“bloody ….” “Get me out, get me out” were just a sample of the comments heard by participants.

Another group of participants were high school students representing the high school city council. “Very cold,” stated John Lacheta, “but it was for a good cause. Co-plunger Blake Schritter echoed Lacheta’s comment. “Definitely very cold. It’s something I would come back and do again.”

Awards were given for those raising the most funds for Special Olympics Indiana and for the best costumes. An After Splash Bash was held in the Center Lake Pavilion with complimentary hot food and beverages for the plungers, and for a small fee for guests.
Four other polar plunges to benefit Special Olympics were held today throughout Indiana – Dean’s Lake Borde; Metea Park Beach, Fort Wayne; Ball State University, Muncie; and Versailles State Park, Versailles.