Crowds brave cold for Lincoln Polar Plunge

Around 160 people ran, dunked and even submerged themselves in the frigid waters of Holmes Lake Saturday.

It was for the annual Polar Plunge event to benefit Special Olympics Nebraska.

Special Olympics Nebraska said this is one of the ways they raise money for the work they do.

“We serve about 7,500 people across the state,” President and CEO Carolyn Chamberlin said.  “So we’re constantly looking for ways to help do the work we do, whether it’s for a sports program, a health program.”

Programs that benefit people like James Hardesty.

“I do softball, soccer, swimming and basketball too,” Hardesty said.

Special Olympics Nebraska said that’s important.

“Often people who have intellectual disabilities still live in the shadows,” Chamberlin said.  “They are kind of overlooked…and what we try to do is give these folks a chance to feel like they’re part of a team.  We give them a chance to feel like they can shine, that whatever their ability level is, that that’s good enough.”

The plungers seem to agree.

“It’s a great cause,” said License to Chill, one of the participating teams.  “Can’t think of any better reason to jump in the water.”

The Special Olympics said the event raised $35,000.