Everyone should experience the rush that is the Special Olympics Polar Plunge at least once.

It's an amazing fundraiser! Each team member is asked to raise $100 for Special Olympics before gathering at Woodlawn Beach State Park. Many don costumes, some don wetsuits, and a special few don bathing suits before running into the cold, cold water. There are even prizes for best individual and best group costumes. (Those younger than 18 can plunge with written consent from a parent or guardian.)

This year's event will be Saturday, Dec. 1:

PolarPlungeEvent
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(And yes, that gentleman was holding a sign that read: "If you pee, it's warmer!" I can neither confirm nor deny that, but I can tell you his team, Dan's Polish Plungers, is the two-time top fundraising team, vying for a three-peat this year.)

The photographs really tell the story. Check out these happy people:

Polar Plunge 2017

You will notice the reactions in the water are more ... animated. There is no official rules for how far into the water participants have to "plunge." Some only go ankle-deep, but others immerse themselves (and splash others on the way out).

Freezin for a Reason

Each year, the Polar Plunge raises about $200,000 for LOCAL Special Olympics athletes. In fact, the Special Olympics New York (SONY) is the largest program in the United States, with headquarters in Schenectady, so our local athletes are building on a strong foundation.

If you haven't had a chance to participate in the Polar Plunge, I challenge you to dive right on in this year.

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