BORDEN — Whether it was their first, second, third, fourth or ninth time participating in the Polar Plunge, members of the Seymour Tsunamis team all had the same cause in mind while entering the cold water.
The Polar Plunge is the signature fundraiser for Special Olympics Indiana, a nonprofit organization that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in more than 20 Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities ages 8 and up. Fundraisers such as the Polar Plunge allow athletes to participate at no cost. Indiana has more than 18,000 athletes.
As of Saturday’s Borden Polar Plunge at Deam Lake State Recreation Area, the Seymour Tsunamis, representing Special Olympics Indiana Jackson County, collected $5,440 in online donations. Plus, more than $1,400 in cash and checks was turned in, putting the total above $6,800.
This was the team’s fourth year to participate. While the total was shy of the nearly $7,500 raised in 2021, the total number of plungers — 15 — was a record.
Their fundraising efforts were part of the more than $80,000 raised at the Borden Polar Plunge, which is one of 17 locations this year.
In about 45 minutes, the 261 plungers on 27 teams went through the 34-degree water of Deam Lake — some going underwater and others choosing to just walk through.
For the Tsunamis, Heather Law was a Polar Plunge newcomer.
She said she chose to take the plunge to give back to an organization that has meant so much to her family in the past year since her son, Owen, became involved.
“I appreciate that Special Olympics is free for any athlete to participate so there never has to be a financial burden to participants,” she said. “I want to do my part to ensure that this continues for athletes now and into the future.”
Her son was there to watch the plunge along with her husband, Jesse, and daughter, Ruby.
“The plunge itself was cold as to be expected; however, it was an exhilarating and bonding moment to take the plunge with our athletes and others that care about the program,” Law said. “Those that plunge together stick together.”
Another newcomer was Sallie Nicholson, daughter of Seymour Mayor Matt Nicholson.
Plunging for the third time, Matt raised the most money among the Tsunamis, $2,005, and Sallie turned in more than $200.
“The plunge has turned into one of my favorite events,” Matt said. “I was invited to watch basketball by a Special Olympics athlete in 2019 and have been hooked ever since. Then in 2020, I decided to join the plunge and was greeted like a long-lost member of the family. Here we are three plunges later and I dread the 30 seconds of pain the plunge brings, but the smiling faces that I see from the athletes all year long makes up for it.”
This year, he asked his youngest daughter if she wanted to join, and he said that made it that much more fun. Both also helped at a roadblock two weeks before the plunge that raised $420.
“Thank you to everyone who donated, and an extra big thank you to those who joined the Seymour Tsunamis,” Matt said.
As for Sallie’s advice to anyone thinking about doing the plunge next year, she said, “If you want to do it, just do it and don’t think about the pain afterwards.”
Plunging for the second time were athlete Becky Klosterman, Assistant County Coordinator and Secretary Mary Carlson and Immanuel Lutheran School teacher Charlie Smith.
Klosterman was among four athletes taking the plunge this year.
“I really enjoyed the Polar Plunge. I am doing it again next year,” she said. “I really enjoyed being on the Tsunamis team. I think they did a good job, and the divers helped me out of the lake.”
Being a part of the county management team, Carlson said she is more inclined to do the plunge.
“But I do it for our athletes, including our daughter, Claire,” she said. “I’m always proud and amazed how much money we as a team raise, and it’s fun to see the camaraderie among all the counties.”
Smith said doing the Polar Plunge for the first time last year, he was a little nervous. This year, though, he said he knew what to expect and loved it.
“Due to COVID, last year was a lot smaller. I thought it was neat to be able to see how many people unite in support of this cause,” he said. “Being able to interact a little more this year, I was able to talk a little more and get to know some of the people who benefit from Special Olympics. Their passion as well as that of their coaches and volunteers is inspiring. I enjoy fundraising for this group, even if it means I freeze for a while.”
Athlete Dale Hickman is a seasoned veteran of the Polar Plunge, having participated nine times. This was only his second time with the Tsunamis.
“It was so cold and windy outside on Saturday,” he said. “Thank you to all that donated to Special Olympics of Jackson County. A special thank you goes out to Matthew Nicholson and his daughter, Sallie, for helping us raise over $5,400 this year.”
Next year, Hickman said he hopes the team can bring in even more money.
At a glance
For information about Special Olympics Indiana Jackson County, visit facebook.com/jacksoncountyspecialolympics.
Donations may be made at any time by making a check payable to Special Olympics Indiana Jackson County and mailing it to P.O. Box 585, Seymour, IN 47274.