EDITORIAL: Thank you Polar Plunge participants, your efforts contributed to a great cause
Midland native Zachary Leonard soars through the air during the Special Olympics Polar Plunge fundraiser on Feb. 15 in the Wayside Central Parking lot.
Jumping into frigid waters in the middle of winter. Doesn’t sound appealing? What if you knew your participation would help athletes with intellectual disabilities participate in a major competition every year?
The Polar Plunge is an annual event that takes place in cities around Michigan to raise money for Special Olympics Michigan.
This year, more than 300 people participated in the plunge, which raised more than $65,000 for special olympics. This is commendable.
We want to say thank you to all of the participants who brace the cold temperatures every year to take part in something of the greater good. Thank you for supporting such a good cause that has been part of the Mount Pleasant community for decades.
In the 1970s the Special Olympics Michigan office relocated to Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant. In 1974, the fourth International Summer Special Olympics Games took place in Mount Pleasant for the first time.
For years, Polar Plunge and the special olympics competition has brought CMU and the city together for a praiseworthy cause. We challenge students, faculty, staff and community to participate in the plunge next year. Take that leap and give to something bigger than yourself.
Strive to raise more than $65,000 next year. Strive for $70,000, $80,000, even $100,000. While school, work and the stress of life can take all of our attention, look to partake in something that you know your effort helped the lives of many others.
Pay it forward and participate. Be a part of a great cause and tradition that our town and university is home to.
