People Plunge Into Icy Water To Support Special Olympics

DENVER (CBS4) – Some brave people including members of law enforcement jumped into freezing cold water as part of the "Splash & Dash" at Denver's City Park on Saturday.

The event started off with a 5K run followed by the polar plunge.

A few state troopers jumped in the icy water fully clothed right down to their hats, gun belts and shoes.

The pool was filled with cold water and then ice to make sure it was extra cold for the plungers.

The idea behind the event is to challenge everyone to get out of their comfort zone to support the Special Olympics.

"We're challenging our athletes everyday just a little bit more. When they come out and they see all of these people that care about them and what they're doing and to jump into a freezing cold body of water on their behalf, they're pretty honored and pretty stoked," said CEO of Special Olympics Colorado Mindy Watrous.

There are more than 14,000 athletes involved with Special Olympics Colorado.

The non-profit group collects all of its funds from events like the Splash & Dash.