People take the plunge for Special Olympics

Those participating in the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park just missed the warm weather by one day this year. People who were brave enough to take the plunge were greeted by less-than-balmy 45 degree water and an even colder 29 degree air temperature. 

“This is the coldest it’s ever been,” said Ainsley Allison, community relations coordinator for the Pelham Police Department, the event sponsor.

Allison said they typically have about 50 people plunge, but if everyone who registered this year participated, they would see over 100 individuals in the water. Due to the colder weather conditions, organizers also opted to send people to the water in smaller waves.

But just before the main event, local groups took part in a costume contest, featuring a dinosaur, a clown, a dog, Spiderman, Harry Potter and the cast of "The Wizard of Oz." The Hoover Police Department, who dressed as "The Wizard of Oz," won the contest.

In the past, the plunge has raised $12,000 to put towards the Alabama Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, and this year they raised about $13,000. The funds are used to help those with special needs compete in athletic events. 

“Special Olympic athletes ... they just want to compete like everybody else,” Allison said.