Hundreds Expected to Participate in 6th Annual Polar Plunge

Lots of Shreveport-Bossier folks will be freezin' for a reason tomorrow, February 8th, 2014, during the 6th Annual Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Louisiana.

Board member Suzette Rose tells KEEL News this year's event is particularly important. "We actually have 11 local athletes that will be going this June to the USA games in New Jersey," Rose says. "And then we're also raising money so that those same 11, hopefully they're going to be able to go to the World Games in Los Angeles next July."

Participants pay $50 each to take a quick dip in the chilly waters on Cross Lake. Rose says many of them will get sponsorships, and you might actually see several dressed in costume. She says the polar bear will be back this year, along with the chicken that everyone saw last year. And prizes will be handed out for best costume.

It's not too late to get registered, either. "They come directly tomorrow morning," Rose says. "Registration starts at 7:30 at the American Legion on Cross Lake." She's hoping for at least 200 participants.

Rose tells us that despite the freezing cold temperatures, nobody has had to be rescued due to hypothermia in previous years. But there are precautions being taken. "We do have Kerry Foster from the fire department out there with his crew," Rose says. "His dive team comes in about two days ahead of time and clears the area down below in the water. And yes, they are there to pluck anybody out that might need it."

The event gets underway at 9 a.m. the American Legion Low-McFarlane Post #14 at 5315 South Lakeshore Drive in Shreveport.

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