Annual UM Polar Plunge attracts 400 to the Big House

Feb. 23-- Feb. 23--ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- This year's Polar Plunge in Ann Arbor wasn't quite as frigid as years' past.

The Big House turf was soaked on Friday night as over 400 people, towels in hand and hair dripping, dipped beneath the surface of two pools.

Ann Arbor's plunge was one of 30 across the state of Michigan.

Each year, Special Olympics Michigan alongside the University of Michigan hosts the event in which fans of festive costumes and cold weather can contribute money towards sports programs and training for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

There were more "plungers" on Friday than previous years, said Jackie Flores, co-director of Washtenaw County Special Olympics.

"The turnout was probably better than it's ever been," she said.

She attributes the larger turnout to a greater contribution from local schools such as Pioneer and Saline, both of which had the largest groups participate.

Flores also thought the weather didn't hurt attendance.

"It's a nice evening to plunge compared to other years," she said.

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