The air was seasonally chilly for Emporia’s annual Polar Plunge on Saturday.
Air temperatures at Mouse Lake got to 30 degrees by event time at 11:30 am. Light flurries, noticed for several hours before the event, vanished shortly before the plunge. Water temperatures were listed in the mid-30s.
The event generates funds for Special Olympics, and Saturday’s preliminary total is over $8,000. Special Olympics Kansas Senior Director of Development Erin Fletcher says the event is big from a fundraising standpoint, but it’s also big as a show of support. She says Special Olympics unlocks a range of opportunities for the athletes.
Longtime local organizer Scott Hayes says there was a lot of excitement in the air, especially from the Special Olympians in attendance.
Emporia Police Detective Dominick Vortherms says law enforcement is glad to be involved.
Lyon County Deputy Brandon Early says Special Olympics is a cause worth supporting.
Team Mouse generated the most funds at over $1,700, while Abbey Lutes was the top individual fundraiser.
Close to 50 people participated. Team Law & Order: Special Tropical Unit, Ice Cold Justice won the best team costume.
Click here for KVOE’s YouTube channel, including a YouTube Short from the event.
Photos by Chuck Samples/KVOE News
