2-13-2025 12:41pm

Polar Plunge Brings Community Together While Raising Money for Special Olympics

LEBANON, OH -- Local businesses, law enforcement, Special Olympics athletes, Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) employees, and other community members joined forces to raise funds for the 25th Special Olympics Polar Plunge at the Caesar Creek beach on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025.

The Polar Plunge is an annual event that challenges community members to jump into frigid waters in support of Ohio’s 20,000 Special Olympics athletes. The Polar Plunge was founded by officers who belong to the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics.

All proceeds from the Polar Plunge benefit Special Olympics Ohio’s mission to provide free athletic opportunities for Ohioans with disabilities.

WCBDD is especially proud to be involved in the Polar Plunge in celebration of our Superintendent, Megan Manuel, who is also the Chair of Special Olympics Ohio Board.

“It was great to see so many community members come to Caesar Creek to support this wonderful organization and the athletes,” Manuel said. “It is heart-warming that they are willing to come out and take the icy plunge in the name of inclusion!”

Participants flaunted a strange assortment of attire, with some wearing a weather-appropriate winter jacket, others wearing swimsuits, and many sporting elaborate costumes. Regardless of attire, over 100 plungers and supporters visited Caesar Creek on the frigid day to support Special Olympics Ohio.

Special Olympics basketball and floor hockey athlete Kelley Castle kicked-off the event by carrying the LETR torch and reciting the athlete's oath. Following this proud moment, the festivities continued with a celebration of the teams and their efforts.

The top fundraising team was the Warren County Wildcats, raising $4,307. WCBDD employees and Wildcats team members Rhonda Schutte and Robin Derickson dressed as milk and cookies, respectively, in preparation for, “The Big Dunk.” The team brought milk and cookies to share, along with a sign reading, “Greg in Texas paid big $ for these pictures!” to celebrate a top Texas-based donor.

Aaron Bowmanwas one of the top fundraisers for the Wildcats. He works at Coffee Caravan and participates in several Special Olympics sports, including basketball, swimming, and bowling. He utilized his community connections to spread the word about donating to the 2025 Polar Plunge event.

Bowman said despite the freezing temperatures, his third year at Polar Plunge was, “fun, and a lot of people want to come and see us.” He plunged with many of his fellow athletes, along with former WCBDD board member and current Warren County Sheriff Barry Riley.

Matt McFarland, the Vice President of Member Service at MyUSA Credit Union, celebrated his fifth Polar Plunge by being honored as the top individual fundraiser, raising $2,479 for Special Olympics Ohio. McFarland, who was adorning a Speedo, celebrated his achievement with an attention-grabbing dance.

Kennon Coleman represented the Ohio Law Enforcement Torch Run at the Polar Plunge, helping to organize and fundraise for the event. Before the Plunge, Coleman completed the 24-hour Super Plunge where he plunged into cold water every hour, on the hour, for 24-hours straight. The act raised over $10,000, in addition to the funds raised at the Polar Plunge.

A costume contest highlighted the creativity of the participants. Gandalf from Lord of the Rings, Superman and Wonder Woman, and several large aliens visited the event, but ultimately, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles took home the prize for best costumes.

Although each of these individuals and teams come from different backgrounds, all gathered at Caesar Creek to advocate and fundraise $26,120 for Special Olympics Ohio.

The hours before the event were spent clearing the ice from the creek to prepare for the plungers. Participants felt the cold air intensify as they walked toward the creek, most already shivering before entering the icy waters.

Participants took turns running into the creek. Many were holding hands, rooting each other on, and throwing their hands in the air to celebrate the accomplishment. A brave few dove headfirst into the water.

The crowd collectively cheered everyone on, took photos of their friends and family members, high-fived participants as they exited the water, and had towels ready to warm-up the plungers. The crowd was particularly cheerful for the children who had the courage to take on the Polar Plunge.

Director of the Department of Public Safety Andy Wilson visited the event to send off the plungers into the creek.

“As I look at that lake, when I see that ice out on the lake, I’m thinking to myself, ‘Who does this, man!?,’” Wilson said. “It’s a group of people who care more about others than themselves. It’s a group of people who care more about an amazing cause than some temporary discomfort.”

Special Olympics Ohio accepts donations year-round that allow all athletes to participate for free. To donate, visit SpecialOlympics.org/Ohio.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.