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Polar Plunge raises $27K for Special Olympics South Dakota

Dripping with ice-cold water, Ben Gannon's smile couldn't get any wider. Gannon, a senior athletic training major at Dakota Wesleyan University, was one of 57 people who took the plunge into freezing water and raised approximately $27,000 in supp...

Kristen Longville and Morgan Ziegler jump into freezing water Friday evening during Mitchell's Polar Plunge. (Caitlynn Peetz/Republic)
Kristen Longville and Morgan Ziegler jump into freezing water Friday evening during Mitchell's Polar Plunge. (Caitlynn Peetz/Republic)

Dripping with ice-cold water, Ben Gannon's smile couldn't get any wider.

Gannon, a senior athletic training major at Dakota Wesleyan University, was one of 57 people who took the plunge into freezing water and raised approximately $27,000 in support of special Olympics on Friday evening in Mitchell. The good cause is what made the cold worthwhile for Gannon, who has participated for the past three years.

"It's fun and a simple way to help out," Gannon said. "I know the Special Olympics means a lot to those participating and it's nice to see them having fun. ... It's the little things I can do to make a difference in someone's life."

Last year, the event drew in 103 jumpers and raised more than $31,000 for Special Olympics South Dakota, which set a record, shattering the previous high of 69 jumpers and $27,000 raised.

With temperatures hovering around 40 degrees Friday night, Mitchell area residents didn't quite break records, but they drew endless smiles to the faces of Special Olympics participants in attendance anyway

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The event, in its eighth year, took place at the Dakota Wesleyan University/Avera Sports and Wellness Complex, where hundreds gathered to jump and watch others dive into the polar-like water.

Each individual or team was required to raise $100 to jump during the event that lasted about 15 minutes.

And jumpers weren't left to fend for themselves after their icy dunks.

Volunteers from the Mitchell Area Special Olympics and officials from the Davison County Search and Rescue stood on guard ready to help any plungers, as well as offer extra clothing to keep warm.

With so many people coming together to make the event happen, Gannon said he's happy to be a small part of the night's success.

"It makes (Special Olympics participants) happier, and that's worth a lot," he said.

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