JORDAN LAKE — On Saturday, Feb. 23, a crowd of men, women and children gathered to plunge into the chilly waters of Jordan Lake to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics North Carolina.
Despite frigid rain and temperatures hovering around 40 degrees, a sizeable crowd turned out to cheer on roughly 45 participants. Following last year’s tradition, Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson and his wife Annette were the first team in the water.
“The support for this event has been overwhelming. I can’t give enough thanks to our Special Olympics athletes, Polar Plungers, sponsors, sister agencies, schools, student resource officers and Community Service Unit for making this event a success,” Roberson said.
“I also want to thank State Parks and North Chatham Fire Department as well as First Health EMS for their assistance with keeping the event fun and safe for participants.”
Trophy winners included Best Individual Costume (Sampson Cooper), Best Group Costume (Chatham County Sheriff’s Office Detention Unit), Youngest Plunger (Lily Zogopoulos), Most Mature Plunger (Mary Gibson), Highest Fund-raiser (Captain Tammy Kirkman and the Detention Unit).