The 2023 Munising Polar Plunge was a great success with a record-setting performance of locals braving the pool of icecold water on Saturday, February 11.
“It’s absolutely amazing,” said Polar Plunge Co-organizer Carla White. “It’s the best year we’ve ever had in Munising both money wise and amount of plungers.”
Plungers were able to get a little help from the weather as the temperatures soared above freezing, but were quickly warmed by the positive response of roughly 200 fans. Various costumes, swimsuits and team gear adorned the different divers, all entering the pool in different ways.
Kenya Oas was the first diver of the day, wearing the famous East Channel seagull costume.
“I was going for good form and expecting a good belly flop. I was really focused on putting the beak in the water first to get that good form,” he said. “It was a blast cause of the good cause, of course. We had good weather and a good turnout.”
After the plunge concluded, $10,110 was raised, setting a new record for the Munising Polar Plunge. Money will go to Michigan Special Olympics, which helps provide free participation for numerous winter and summer sports for Michigan Special Olympics athletes. Some athletes arrived late to the Polar Plunge after participating in the Meijer State Games of Michigan in Marquette earlier in the day, while others have used Special Olympics funds to compete around the world.
“Part of the money will stay in the U.P. and a bigger portion will go to the state for Michigan Special Olympics games and for international games in Berlin (Germany) this summer. We raise the money so more athletes can compete in the sports they love,” White said.
Additional donations can still be made at www. PlungeMI.org and selecting the Munising location. Another Polar Plunge will be at the Up North Lodge in Gwinn on March 18. White said that anyone who sees the positivity of Special Olympics is more than welcome to take the plunge themselves.
“Our athletes are always happy and always smiling. It reminds me of why we do what we do and that the world isn’t so bad,” she said.
