Sarah Walsh
Staff Writer

Who dared to take the plunge? Running, diving, and swimming into the ice cold San Francisco Bay is a not a task for the weak hearted, but some brave souls from Cal High were willing to take it on.

The Polar Plunge was a fund-raising event for the Special Olympics that helps sponsor year round training. It took place on Feb. 25 at the San Francisco Aquatic Park.

The program raised money through participants that make their own fund-raising page on the Polar Plunge website, and have people join their group. The group donated money through the website and through any other personal fund-raising techniques.

Cal raised $1715 of the goal of $2500 with 20 participants.

“Polar Plunge was really great, and a lot of fun for the people that came,” said sophomore Reyna Venkatesh. “The water wasn’t actually as cold as I thought it would be.”

At the Polar Plunge event, participants could choose to get their feet wet or go fully into the water, by running into the bay.

People could also sign up to be a chicken, a member of the team that cheered participants on, instead of braving the icy water themselves.

After that, there was a giant party for all the participants.

“The after party was a lot of fun!” said Venkatesh. Participants also got a chance to meet some of the athletes that will be competing in the Special Olympics.

Sophomore Claire Williamson took it upon herself in bringing this fund-raiser to Cal for support.

“I first found out about it through a poster I saw in a bathroom at Los Cerros Middle School, and decided that this was something I wanted to get involved in,” she said.

Students liked the idea that they helped out with something so meaningful, yet simple to be a part of.

“We are doing something that is so easy, simply running into the Bay,” said sophomore Jessica Allen, “yet the money we raise makes such an impact on the Special Olympics and helps so many people.”

Many participants said the event gave them a great sense of accomplishment.

Polar Plunge was also an opportunity to count your blessings, said senior Saundarya Mehra.

“It is a great cause that provides children with something many people take for granted, their ability to play and be active,” said Mehra.

Claire Williamson ran much of the event by herself, with some help from outside sources.

Her brother, senior Bryan Williamson, was one of her major supporters throughout the event.

“Polar Plunge is great because it gives the opportunity to people who have either mental or physical handicaps to have the ability to go out and participate in sports,” said Bryan Williamson.

Leadership backed up Claire Williamson in her fund-raiser by making posters to hang up around the school.

“Claire is very in control of everything, and is always trying to give everyone a heads up about things like how much we have raised and when Polar Plunge actually is,” said freshman Roman Lubarsky.

Leadership teacher Eileen Mantz, thinks Polar Plunge was a great event for the students because they did something that benefitted someone who appreciates the help.

Being able to see and meet the athletes competing in the Special Olympics made the fund-raiser even more special for the participants.

“Seeing how grateful they are for our help is the best part,” said senior Wes Enos.

Students who could not participate this year, will get another chance.

“I will for sure be doing it next year, and as long as I can, then pass it off to someone else,” said Claire Willamson. “I thought that overall, everyone had a great time.”