Iowans take cold dip to help Special Olympics

No matter how cold it is at noon today, dozens of hearty Iowans will be jumping into the frigid waters of Big Creek Lake. The annual “Polar Plunge” is a fundraiser for the Iowa Special Olympics. Spokeswoman Jeanette Steinfeldt says it’s not hard luring participants as they have a great time and support a great cause.Participants need to raise at least 50-dollars for the privilege of jumping into the lake at Big Creek State Park in northern Polk County. Steinfeldt says they get commemorative sweatshirts, a catered meal and a chance to win a hot tub. You have to wear a swimsuit or a costume, and there’s and award for the best costume.Last year’s costume contest winner was dressed as Moses, who she says was unfortunately not able to part the lake’s waters with his staff as his Biblical counterpart did the Red Sea. Steinfeldt says the Plunge is one of the group’s biggest annual fundraisers.Special Olympics/Iowa is the state’s largest year-round organization devoted to sports training and competition for children and adults with mental retardation. This event will help benefit ten thousand athletes.