I’m a little embarrassed to say that despite being involved in special education for over 30 years, I did my first Polar Plunge for Special Olympics just two years ago when Andrew convinced me. Andrew has been participating in Polar Plunge for many years (this year being his 14th). Every year, he puts a team together and they dress up in costumes for the big event. He organizes a fun day with a gathering before and chili and beer after. I participated in 2021 when the date was pushed back because of COVID and we had to run into the lake because it wasn’t frozen anymore for a proper plunge – although it was still very cold. Last year, the event was back to normal and I got to do an actual plunge for the first time. The water IS freezing, but it all goes so fast you barely notice. It really is a lot of fun, and for such a great cause.
This year, I participated in the Polar Plunge virtually from Sierra Leone, so it wasn’t POLAR and it wasn’t a PLUNGE. For sake of accuracy, I think we could call it a… tropical splash. Very refreshing!
In the video you see five of my students: Abib (signing), Abu, John, Mohammed, and Musa along with Jess and Ferenkeh (my neighbors-friends-colleagues) and my friend, Santigie. A big thank you to all of them for making this a fun day.
Also a big thank you to UNIMAK and Fulbright for making my experience here possible.
Sooo cute!
So fun!!!! Way to plunge!!!
“No! We’re good, we’re good…” Love it.