Polar Plunge benefits Special Olympics

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The largest Polar Plunge took place at Eagle Creek State Park Saturday morning.

By early estimates, 600 – 700 participants took the plunge with a temperature in the lower 30s. Hundreds more were cheering them on, all to raise money for the Special Olympics of Indiana

"Absolute shock. I’m still cold and my feet are absolutely frozen," said Chief Deputy Mike Nielson of the Boone County Sheriff’s Office after hitting the water for the first time.

Last year alone, the 12 different Polar Plunges that took place across the state raised close to $400,000 for the Special Olympics of Indiana.

Those who were freezing for a reason say it’s all worth it.

"They see what kind of great friends they have in the community when they come out here. People that would be willing to do this for them would probably do about anything. What a great thing. What a great thing to feel that there are people that are on your side that way," said Michael Furnish, President of Special Olympics Indiana.