Over 100 people were in attendance despite overcast skies at Mayfield Lake on Saturday, Jan. 27, to join the Lewis County Icicle Brigade for the 2024 Lewis County Polar Plunge.
The event, which was organized in part by the Centralia Police Department and Washington state 20th District Rep. Peter Abbarno, was held at the Mayfield Lake Park just off of U.S. Highway 12.
“We’ve raised, at least last I saw, about $7,500, which is amazing,” Abbarno said before running into Mayfield Lake’s frigid waters.
He added it was all to support access to Special
Olympics Washington including Special Olympic athletes in Lewis County.
“I just want to thank everybody for coming out and supporting us, supporting the Special Olympics, the athletes, supporting your community,” Centralia Police officer Ruben Ramirez said. “We’re kind of a small token compared to up north, Seattle and all that, but you guys bring it together and make it look like we’re just a lot bigger than what we are. I really think you guys are a model to follow for others.”
“Cold hands, cold feet, warm heart,” Abbarno added.
Those who missed the event can still donate to the Lewis County Special Olympics by visiting https://impact.sowa.org/team/543188.
Special Olympics Washington is a nonprofit that aims to be a catalyst for inclusion by creating sporting events for those with intellectual or physical disabilities, regardless of ability level. Sporting events organized by the nonprofit include alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snowshoeing, track and field, basketball, cycling, powerlifting, soccer, swimming, flag football, tennis, golf, softball, paddle boarding, bocce, bowling, volleyball and gymnastics.
For more information on Special Olympics Washington, visit https://specialolympicswashington.org/.
