Alki Polar Plunge 2011 for Special Olympics, report #1

(Our preview report with pre-Plunge photos can be seen here)

(Photo courtesy Shauna Causey)
Today’s Polar Plunge at Alki wasn’t just any old “jump in the water in the winter” event. It raised money for Special Olympics/Washington – and drew special law-enforcement attention and participation, because of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. The Seattle Police personnel in the water (announced temperature: 46 degrees) the longest today were the divers – like the one in the top photo – who held an uncrossable line offshore to keep participants safe. Once it was time to get in the water, law enforcers were the first group in – here’s our video tracking Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Steve Paulsen and Lt. Pierre Davis:

(video no longer available due to blip.tv shutdown)

Pre-Plunge, Capt. Paulsen posed with his pooch (her name is Lola):

SPD Chief John Diaz was there again this year too, as were representatives from other departments – and former King County Sheriff turned Congressmember Dave Reichert even showed up. Another politician went in a bit early:

City Councilmember Bruce Harrell had to get over to the City Hall open house, which started at 11. Military presence at the Polar Plunge too – from the U.S. Marine Corps:

No, they’re not from the Jefferson Square Marine-recruiting office – rather, the one in Tukwila. The nearly 200 preregistered participants also included, again this year, the Chief Sealth International High School delegation – here’s their pre-Plunge pose, followed by video of the big moment:

(video no longer available due to blip.tv shutdown)

And to get the blood pumping before the chilly jump, the Seahawks’ Blue Thunder drum line:

(video no longer available due to blip.tv shutdown)

Emceeing today’s event, anchor David Rose from KCPQ-TV:

KCPQ was among the co-sponsors of today’s event, as was WSB (for the 2nd consecutive year). We have a second report coming up later today, including a comprehensive video report on today’s Polar Plunge, the fourth of seven that SOWA is presenting around the state this winter. If you weren’t there but want to donate to Special Olympics, here’s how to do it online. And if you’re looking for info on Special Olympics events – this year’s calendar is here.

4 Replies to "Alki Polar Plunge 2011 for Special Olympics, report #1"

  • miws January 29, 2011 (4:01 pm)

    Looks like Lola’s wanting to head over to the Spud!

    .

    Mike

  • Sam Reed January 29, 2011 (4:52 pm)

    A shout out to all of the Sealth families and friends that helped that group of students raise over $800 for Special Olympics!

  • MH January 29, 2011 (7:16 pm)

    So much fun today! Raining, but great energy everywhere. So much love and respect for all of those who were there supporting a great cause!

  • Mary Do January 29, 2011 (8:09 pm)

    Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Polar Plunge! Over $40,000 raised for local Special Olympics Washington!

    Big thank you to WSB for co-sponsoring and all the West Seattle community for supporting our cause!

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