Wisconsinites brave the bitter cold for Special Olympics athletes

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Wind chills are well below zero today, but that didn't stop one local group from throwing caution to the wind and sprinting outside in support of some Wisconsin athletes.

An arctic chill has settled upon Milwaukee this Valentine's Day.

When it's this blisteringly cold it's only natural to run to warmer space. Though Lake Michigan probably isn't what first comes to mind.

"Being in the water is the warmest place to be. Lake Michigan is 34° today so it's not being in the water, it's when you come out," said Julie Drake, Director of Development for the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

With a wind chill well below zero, the air temperatures feel just downright nasty. Not the ideal scenario to stand around in your swimsuit.

"It's going to be awful," said Kate Paszkiewicz, polar plunger.

Yet that didn't stop this dedicated group from plunging into the lake in support of Special Olympics Wisconsin. Officials even gave them an easy excuse to postpone the plunge.

"Today, we are encouraging our plungers to possibly go to another plunge that we do have coming up here in Wisconsin," said Drake.

Emergency responders were on site to keep the event safe for those who still chose to take the plunge on Saturday.

I guess when you're a "below zero hero," a little icy water on a bitterly cold day doesn't faze you.

"It was a little cold but it as great. I did it for my niece Audrey doing the Special Olympics this year, so totally worth it," said a polar plunger.

The money raised from Polar Plunge events supports opportunities for Special Olympic athletes year round.

"Our Wisconsinites are brave and they have warm hearts and they're here to support our athletes which is what we need so we thank them a lot," said Drake.

FOX6 News is told there are 14 Polar Plunges happening around the state.

The first was last weekend and the final one is March 7th.