Pittsburgh was ‘Freezin’ For a Reason’ all for a good cause
Plungers jump into the cold water during the 2019 Pittsburgh Polar Plunge. Photo Credit: (Flickr/Special Olympics Pennsylvania)
March 3, 2019
PITTSBURGH – Despite the low water temperature of 28 degrees and air temperatures of 42 degrees, the Pittsburgh Polar Plunge was a great success.
The event was presented by Law Enforcement for Special Olympics PA and took place outside of Heinz Field.
Pre-plunge activities in “Plungetown” included music, family-friendly games, photo booth, raffles and auctions. Sponsors provided free food and beverages for all who attended.
Pittsburgh law enforcement, also known as the Super Plungers, were well-represented. The Super Plungers took the plunge 24 times during the course of the event.
They raised over $250,000 this year for the athletes.
Chief of Police at City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Scott Schubert, announced, “We started this nine years ago and to see how this has grown is just heartwarming.”
His team alone raised around $100,000.
“We’re all the same. We just have different abilities,” Schubert said during the opening ceremonies. “Never forget why we do what we do. We do it for the athletes.”
Since 2010, they have raised over $3 million for the Special Olympics.
The plunging took place immediately after the torch lighting portion of the opening ceremonies. Super Plungers, those who commit to jumping into the freezing water 24 times over the course of 12-hours, took the jump first, followed by the rest of the courageous plungers.
Special Olympics athlete, Elizabeth Kraft, a Beaver County athlete, was thrilled to be part of the Polar Plunge.
“I’m nervous because of the cold, but I’m ready to do this. I’m being brave,” said Kraft.
After plunging, participants were able to take advantage of Polar Plunge restaurant specials in the North Shore.
Matt Aaron, President and CEO of Special Olympics Pennsylvania, said, “The reason we’re here is to support the 20,000 athletes.”
The Pittsburgh plungers did just that and were “Freezin’ For A Reason” on the athletes’ behalf.
