150 take icy plunge for Special Olympics today at Mosquito
BAZETTA
Air temperature — 28 degrees?
No problem. Water temperature —
32 degrees? Bring it on.
A spirited turnout estimated at 150 ignored those elements and rushed into the frigid waters of Mosquito Lake Saturday afternoon for the Ninth Annual Mosquito Lake Polar Plunge to raise funds for Special Olympics Ohio.
Brett Clingan of Champion was the first to take the plunge while the crowd watched in admiration, for good reason. Clingan, 43, said he has leukodystrophy, a neurological disorder of the brain, and uses a wheelchair. Clad in swimming trucks, he was removed from his motorized chair and helped into the water by volunteers from the Bazetta Fire Department. After he deliberately rolled in the water and went under for a few moments, the volunteers helped Clingan return to his wheelchair. He raised his arms in victory to boisterous applause from the other participants and onlookers.
“It’s called ‘Polar Plunge’ for a reason, and I think I surprised people by going underwater,” said Clingan, a military veteran. “I think it was refreshing.”
Each adult is required to raise at least $75 and students $50 before jumping in the lake.
Read more about those who braved the icy waters in Sunday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.