Local

Polar plunge helps benefit Special Olympics Ohio

By Trumbull County Prosecutor’s Office

January 23, 2024 2:51 PM

The temperature was in the teens with a wind chill near zero on Jan. 20 as the Cortland-Bazetta community held its annual Polar Plunge at the Mosquito Lake State Park beach to benefit Special Olympics Ohio.

According to the Facebook post by the Bazetta Township Fire Department, the thickness of the ice at the reservoir beach area was 3 ½ inches.

“Happy to report there were no injuries or any participants that needed treatment for hypothermia or frostbite,” the firefighters posted.

Returning plunge veteran “Minnie,” 92, was there to lead all the participants by being the first plunger again this year.

Reports showed that about 80 people donned shorts, bathing suits and yes, even winter coats to take the plunge for charity. Some YSU students from a Youngstown State University fraternity were among the participants.

The Cortland Moose Lodge was one of the sponsors of the plunge and the money raised was going to Special Olympics. After the plunge, participants were invited to the lodge along Route 46 to warm up, have refreshments, turn in the money and receive a commemorative shirt.

Special Olympics Ohio Northeast Region reported on Facebook that the Mosquito Lake plungers raised over $14,700 to support their athletes.