BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – The Special Olympics Vermont Penguin Plunge returns for its 29th year and with some warmer weather.
“I decided to jump in the cold water today because I figured it would be super fun and it was so there it is,” Colchester resident Jack LaChance said.
Participants raise funds for a spot to jump in the lake.
“I feel great after jumping in, I didn’t think I was going to survive after jumping in, it was so cold,” Colchester resident Alaina Cheeseman said.
This winter event helps nurture inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities.
“Raising money for this cause is such a good thing and even personally it’s just awesome to go into the lake and it’s just cool to swim in the cold water,” Colchester resident Miles O’Brien said.
For some, the cold water spurred plans for 2025.
“Next year we are going even bigger, we’re going all out, we’re dressing up next year,” Colchester resident Sophia Bullinger said.
Others jumped in for their loved ones.
“I did it for a good cause and for one of my friends who plays in the Paralympics, he’s awesome I love him,” Cheeseman said.
Each year — the plunge raises nearly 40% of the Special Olympics Vermont operating budget.
“The share joy, everyone is so excited to jump in the water, the weather helps quite a bit this year, and we have athletes here community members, partners, sponsors, it’s incredible,” Special Olympics Vermont President and CEO Sarah McCaffrey
Participant Miles O’Brien says he encourages anyone that wants to be a part of an event like this — take the opportunity.
“Just do it, just do it — cold water’s not that bad once you get in and it’s fun you’re going to love it,” O’Brien said.
And our very own channel 3 members screamed and swam in the freezing lake. As of Saturday afternoon, special Olympics Vermont tells me they raised over 600 thousand dollars, and they are still accepting donations.