Polar Plunge raises money for Alabama Special Olympics

Bonfires crackled on the beach at the Oak Mountain State Park swimming area as close to 100 people ran, dove or gingerly walked into the frigid lake waters as part of the 2016 Polar Plunge on Jan. 30.

The event was put on by the Alabama Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and helps pay for the Alabama Special Olympics, which draws more than 14,000 athletes.

“It is a great time and fun experience, said Debbie Sumrall, a deputy with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. “We get to meet our athletes, and you get to see who you are raising money for.”

Teams and individuals raised money from sponsors as they pledged to jump into the lake in the middle of winter. An announcement that over $11,000 was raised during the event brought a roar from the crowd of mostly dry spectators.

Before the participants hit the water, a costume contest was held on the beach. Among those who plunged into the lake were people dressed as a penguin, rabbit, Great Gatsby characters and a mermaid. The winners from Shelby County 911 dressed as trolls.

Teams from police and fire departments and businesses took turns making a short run across the beach before they got wet. The Pelham Fire Department had a boat in the water and divers donning dry suits to monitor swimmers as they made the frigid swim.