January 14, 2010
Go take a running leap — for the Special Olympics
The UW Police would like you to take a running jump into Puget Sound on Sunday, Jan. 24, at Seattle’s Alki Beach. You’ll be cold, but you certainly won’t be alone.
It’s all for an excellent cause — to raise money to support athletes in the Special Olympics. The plunge takes place at 11 a.m. at the Alki Bathhouse. Registration is from 9 to 10 a.m.
UW Police are partnering with the Seattle Police Department, the Washington State Patrol and MBA students from the Michael G. Foster School of Business in this cool fundraising effort. State Patrol Chief John Batiste will take part, as will John Diaz, interim chief of the Seattle Police. Last year, Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske — now with the Obama administration — was among the brave participants.
Each participant — each plunger, if you will — must raise a minimum of $50 in donations to participate, and all will receive an official Polar Plunge t-shirt. And those who survive, um, that is, complete the plunge will be warmed by Ivar’s clam chowder.
And even if you’re not up for an icy dip you can still support the cause and root the chilly bathers on from the sidelines in an area called the Chicken Coop.
Last year’s Polar Plunge drew between 100 and 150 brave, chilly participants, many of whom were from the UW, and the event raised about $25,000 for the cause.
How cold was it? “I would describe it as a numbing experience,” said UW Assistant Police Chief Ray Wittmier. “But it’s for a great cause, and we have thousands of Special Olympians just here in the state of Washington.” He added that it takes about $650 for each person to take part in the Special Olympics.
Cham Kao, UWPD patrol sergeant, is the main UW organizer for the event, as he was for last year’s plunge. He agreed that the last plunge made for a few chilly moments, “but you know, it’s for a good cause. And psychologically everybody sort of got involved together and felt great even though it was super cold.”
Kao will be taking the plunge again this year, as will Wittmier.
So if you are into “Freezin’ for a Reason,” register online and alert your next of kin — er, that is, potential donors. You can learn more online at the Special Olympics of Washington at www.sowa.org.
To donate to the Polar Plunge online, visit here. To learn more about the UW Police and their programs or people, visit online here.
