The Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge took place on Saturday, February 2nd at World Class Fitness in Fort Smith, AR, and for those of you that feel jumping in ice cold water in February is for lunatics, the Super Doppler Storm Team shares your opinion; however, we never back down on a challenge. Here's a montage of pictures that helps to tell the story.

The temperature at jump time was a balmy 57 degrees; last year it was in the 30's, and ice had to be broken off the surface of the water, so this was a perfect winter day for jumping.



Notice Patrick on the right was sporting the clothing, while Ted and I just went in the swim trunks. Regardless of the air temperature, the water was extremely cold, and then the crowd yelled three, two, one, go!



Ted and I took the diving approach, but Patrick, well; he wanted to make a different type of splash.



Look at Patrick trying to somersault on the right. He quickly learned that his approach kept him in the freezing water longer. I wonder if he'll do that next year?



Notice the diver in yellow. He's there for safety, just in case we couldn't make it to the other side. All three of us raced across the pool to get out of the frigid water. Fortunately, we made it out without a problem, and we quickly found refuge in the hot tub.



This was Patrick's first year to take part in the plunge, but the expression on his face made me worry he wouldn't do it again. Patrick reassured us that he would be back for another year, but he may not take the same approach into the pool.



You may still be wondering why we do this, well, the picture below tells the whole story. We get to help raise money and awareness for Special Olympics. This picture is Ashley Anderson, who was proud to watch her weather team jump in that chilly water for Special Olympics.



Regardless of the cold or ice, the team will take another plunge next year!