Residents Take the Plunge to Raise Money for West Virginia Special Olympics
WHEELING — People gathered around a pool in the parking lot of Main Street Bank in Wheeling amid unseasonably warm weather to take the plunge and raise some cold cash for a good cause.
Around 20 people lined up to jump into a pool filled with cold water for a good cause. Although the weather didn’t match up with the event’s name, the Polar Plunge is aimed at raising money to assist with West Virginia Special Olympics.
Ohio County Special Olympics Director Pat Elliott said the money raised from the Polar Plunge will help with a variety of things, including food, hotel rooms for the athletes and equipment, among other things. Elliott said this year the Polar Plunge raised $4,496, and she noted she was very pleased with how the second annual event in Wheeling turned out.
“I think it’s amazing,” she said, thanking all of the participants that took part in Saturday’s event.
After brief introductions, the plungers lined up to take their turns leaping into the pool. Although the weather favored them with temperatures in the mid 60s, the water was still chilly, eliciting gasps of shock from some participants.
Some wore costumes, having participated in a contest before jumping, bringing laughs and smiles from the audience. After drying off and changing into warm clothes, participants and guests were invited to join the organizers for lunch at Generations Restaurant and Pub.
Elliott said she was thrilled with all of the people who made it out, and thankful that so much was being done to raise money and awareness for the Special Olympics athletes of West Virginia.
“I’ve been involved for eight or nine years now, and we learn so much,” she said. “We learn more from them than they do from us. The athletes and everyone who helps, they come together like a family. It’s an awesome thing.”
The Polar Plunge isn’t the only event held to benefit West Virginia Special Olympics. The group also holds softball games and other tournaments. To find out more and get involved, visit sowv.org/index.php.
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