MANHATTAN — Dozens braved the frigid temperatures Saturday for the 15th annual Manhattan Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Kansas.
The event held at Manhattan City Park was presented by the Riley County and Junction City Police Departments. Participants raise money and take turns jumping into a pool of ice-cold water in the middle of February. Krystin Guggisberg, the north-central regional director for Special Olympics Kansas says they had a great year for weather, participants, and fundraising .
Guggisberg said they expect the numbers to increase even after the event.
RCPD Officer Rachel Pate was on the committee for this year’s Manhattan Polar Plunge. She explains why this event means so much to her.
Pate says her favorite part of the event was seeing all the creative costumes.
The funds raised from the Polar Plunge will stay local. Guggisberg said the money will support the 1200 athletes in the north central region. So far this year they have raised just over 11,000 dollars.
Photos by Hailey McClellan/KMAN
