Many, such as Jim Sullivan, wore costumes. Sullivan won an award for his costume, a homemade shirt that said: “F.O.G.: Fat Old Guy, keep back 300 feet.”
“I’ve been involved in the Special Olympics since it began,” Sullivan said. “I can’t keep up with the athletes anymore, so I do this instead.”
Jeri Buckholt, of New London, who said she comes to the event every year, said Sunday’s plunge was the coldest she remembered. Organizers, too, said between low temperatures and high winds, the cold stung.
“The wind, especially, really killed us,” Turro said.
To minimize the risk of hypothermia or frostbite, participants went to the water in waves.
Organized marches to the beach turned into frenzy when participants hit the water. Some splashed and dove into the waves. Others screamed and waved their arms as the water reached their thighs. For all, the walk back to the locker rooms became a sprint through the sand, a race against the stinging wind.
Mark Beebe, of Mystic, watched from shore and pulled his New London Motorcycle Club jacket tighter. While a member of his club was among the plungers, he had no plans to join him in the icy water.
“Nope. Never will either,” he said with a chuckle.
For the entire story visit:
http://www.norwichbulletin.com/carousel/x2089519550/350-penguins-take-icy-plunge-to-benefit-Special-Olympics
klay
No comments:
Post a Comment