By Lisa Carolin
The Dawgs are going swimming.
Two Chelsea High School administrators and two students will be participating in the University of Michigan Polar Plunge on Feb. 19 to support the Special Olympics of Michigan.
The event will take place in the Big House, and for the first time, it will be at night under the stadium’s lights.
Principal Michael Kapolka, Assistant Principal Luman Strong, Senior Brooke Blackledge and Junior and Team Dawgs Captain Olivia Outhwaite will all be participating.
“It’s a fun way for students to raise money for a great cause which directly impacts several of their classmates,” said Kapolka, who will be taking his fifth plunge. “This is a project that Mr. Strong and I have been passionate about as the Special Olympic Games provide several of our students a wonderful opportunity to compete, have fun and stay active.”
The Special Olympics’ mission is to provide students with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to compete against themselves and others as well as to be active and build friendships.
“I have the privilege as their principal of seeing this first-hand when they return from their Winter and Summer games,” said Kapolka. “For many, it is a life-changing experience.”
Participants dress in costumes and line up once inside the stadium to jump into an icy pool. They get fully submerged and then get out as fast as they can.
“The water temperature is colder than the air temperature as they typically add ice cubes to the pool,” said Kapolka. “It literally takes your breath away.”
To donate to the Chelsea Dawgs team for the Special Olympics of Michigan, go to http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/chs-administrators/UofM16.
