Polar Plunge raises thousands for Special Olympics

Brendan Wiesner, Sault Ste. Marie News
·1 min read
Jason Mingus leaps into the water on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024 during the Polar Plunge fundraiser in Sault Ste. Marie.
Jason Mingus leaps into the water on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024 during the Polar Plunge fundraiser in Sault Ste. Marie.

SAULT STE. MARIE — Dozens of people took a plunge into icy cold water on Saturday to help raise thousands of dollars for the Special Olympics.

The Polar Plunge fundraiser takes place in cities all across the state for cities to show their support for their local Special Olympics region.

Crystal Soukkala and Eric Mink hang out in the pool after their plunge on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024 with the Chippewa County Sheriff's Department volunteer lifeguard.
Crystal Soukkala and Eric Mink hang out in the pool after their plunge on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024 with the Chippewa County Sheriff's Department volunteer lifeguard.

In past years, the Sault Ste. Marie version of the fundraiser had people jumping into the St. Marys River. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the fundraiser came to a standstill, but it was brought back this year to great success.

People gather outside Three One Three in Sault Ste. Marie on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024 for the Polar Plunge fundraiser.
People gather outside Three One Three in Sault Ste. Marie on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024 for the Polar Plunge fundraiser.
Sault teacher Carl McReady prepares to jump into the water while wearing an outfit designed especially for him by his students.
Sault teacher Carl McReady prepares to jump into the water while wearing an outfit designed especially for him by his students.

Dozens of jumpers took the plunge into a partially frozen above-ground pool in downtown Sault on Saturday, with the help of the Three One Three Club.

Plungers and spectators raised over $10,000 during the event. Along with the plunge, there were raffles, auctions, costume contests and other fundraising activities.

Musician Paul Perry performs during the Polar Plunge fundraiser on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024 in Sault Ste. Marie.
Musician Paul Perry performs during the Polar Plunge fundraiser on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024 in Sault Ste. Marie.

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— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com

This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Polar Plunges in Sault raises thousands for Special Olympics