Citing concerns regarding sub-zero temperatures and dreadful windchill, organizers of the 2006 Madison Polar Plunge decided to cancel the annual event for the first time in eight years.
Despite sunshine, wind-chill readings remained in the negative double-digits Saturday morning, making any plans of jumping into ice-cold water out of the question. According to the National Weather Service, Saturday was the coldest day since Christmas 2005 in Madison.
Although participants were not able to splash in the chilly waters, organizers encouraged everyone to turn in their fundraising pledges for the event. The Polar Plunge is the largest fundraiser for Special Olympics Wisconsin.
'A lot of people think Special Olympics is a one-time track and field event every year,' said Cheryl Balazs, development associate for the fundraiser. 'And actually we have over 70 competitions state-wide going on year-round.'
Last year the event saw more than 1,700 participants and raised more than $200,000. While exact figures for this year were unavailable, Balazs said the event had raised more than $80,000 by Thursday.
According to Special Olympics Wisconsin, the event began in La Crosse, Wis., in 1999 and has featured participants of all ages and body types.
The Madison Polar Plunge is just one of eight plunges scheduled throughout the state during February and the first weekend of March. The Plunge scheduled in De Pere, Wis., was also cancelled due to concerns about the weather.
Yet, Balazs cited the event's excellent history of safety in order to quell concerns about the event in general.
'We've never had any issues,' Balasz said. 'Obviously, people need to take their own health history into consideration. But in general, it is a very safe process.'
Had participants taken the plunge, organizers had special amenities on hand in order to counteract the cold.
'We have hot tubs, heated changing tents and there's lots of hot food available in our concessions area,' Balasz said.
Yet, such comforts would not have been able to sufficiently reduce the risk of hypothermia Saturday.
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat at a faster rate than it can produce it. Factors such as severe low temperatures, wind and wet conditions, all of which were present on Saturday, lead to an increased risk of hypothermia. Not treated quickly, hypothermia can lead to unconsciousness and death.
A former Plunger herself, Balasz said the icy water is 'really exhilarating.'
'You feel fantastic the rest of the day,' she said. 'It's a great adrenaline rush.'
