OGUNQUIT – If you think jumping in the ocean while there’s still snow on the ground is crazy, try doing it 24 times in a single day.
A group of police officers and volunteers did just that over the weekend off Ogunquit Beach, participating in the first-ever Super Plunge to raise money for Special Olympics Maine.
“It is crazy, it’s crazy, but it’s all worth it,” said Ogunquit Police Chief John Lizanecz, one of the participants. “For over 5,000 athletes, Special Olympics athletes throughout the state of Maine it’s all worth it. Hopefully we’ll do it again next year.”
A total of 15 people participated, including 13 police officers from 12 different departments throughout the state. The event began on the beach on Saturday at noontime. For the next 24 hours, the group ran back out into the water, every hour, on the hour, as part of the fundraiser.
Just before 9 a.m. Sunday, the group huddled inside the Norseman Resort to stay warm. Some ate from food donated by local businesses, while others wrapped themselves in towels and even sat in a hot tub to keep the chill away.
“They’re hanging in there,” said Ian Frank, president and CEO of Special Olympics Maine. “It’s been a long night, but everybody’s still with us.”
Right on time, the plungers ran outside, whooping and hollering as they dashed out to the water. Family members, including children, cheered them on. One person held up a white board with “22” written on it.
They didn’t stay long, with the entire trip out and back happening in roughly five minutes, but they did it, and despite fatigue and a cold rain falling on them, they maintained a positive attitude. One officer grinned as he ran by a reporter saying, “Two more to go.”
Frank said this is the first time Special Olympics Maine has done this kind of fundraiser, and it’s been a roaring success. Starting in February, he said, the funds raised kept breaking through goals, beating $35,000, then $50,000.
On Sunday morning, Frank said, the event had raised $76,000, and he was hoping it would top $100,000 before finishing.
The event may be over, but anyone who wishes to donate may do so by clicking here.
