Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Thousands take the Polar Plunge in Charlotte

Spectrum News

About 2,000 people took part in the 18th annual Rochester Polar Plunge in Rochester on Sunday, braving the frigid water for a good cause.

The ‘Freezin’ for a Reason” event at Ontario Beach Park is a fundraiser for Special Olympics New York.

It is the largest polar plunge for Special Olympics in New York State and the Sunday event had a fundraising goal of $300,000. The money raised helps support more than 71,000 Special Olympics athletes.

Emergency personnel were standing by in case of any issues;  Even with the very cold water, the participants at least had a little sunshine with air temperatures getting above freezing.

Swimmers took the plunge into the waters of Lake Ontario wearing everything from traditional bathing suits to super hero costumes.

The Polar Plunge is associated with the officers who run the Law Enforcement Torch Run each year.

Randy Gorbman is WXXI's director of news and public affairs. Randy manages the day-to-day operations of WXXI News on radio, television, and online.