MURFREESBORO– The 22nd annual Polar Bear Plunge took place on Saturday at the SportsCom outdoor pool. The temperature was a chilly 43-degrees with a slight drizzle and an easterly wind of 5-miles-per-hour, which made it feel like 40-degrees. The temperature of the water was equally cold in the low 40’s. But, that didn’t stop swimmers from taking the frigid plunge!
After the official countdown, participants jumped in! Most of the jumpers were in-and-out in a matter of seconds… Bart Fite, longtime Superintendent of SportsCom told WGNS NEWS he has taken the plunge 21 out of the past 22-years…
Prior to taking the actual plunge, a costume contest was held in the SportsCom gym. Officials also announced who raised the most money this year. Money raised by Polar Bear Plung'ers goes toward Special Olympic events held for local Olympians in Rutherford County. The Wiser 'Polar Club' was the biggest group to raise the highest amount of money for the Special Olympics, while Thomas Laird with the Murfreesboro Parks and Rec. Department brought in the most money in the individual fundraising category.
The swim was a success and no one walked away with hypothermia or a cold, at least no colds that we know of at this point. Hear the complete newscast...
Click the Photo ABOVE this article to see pictures of the frigid swim. We also have more photos below, simply click each picture for a new set of photographs from the Saturday event.
