A handful of brave souls take a dip in support of Special Olympics

Expressions of shock appeared on the faces of the bikini-clad sorority sisters. They let out shrieks and squeals as the icy water — like pins and needles — pierced their skin and penetrated their bones. Less than 20 seconds later, they frantically ran out of the reservoir, grabbed their towels, briefly posed for pictures, then dashed to the hot tub.

Special Olympics Colorado hosted the “Freezin’ for a Reason” Polar Plunge at the Boulder Reservoir Feb. 20.

Participants, such as the women of the University of Colorado’s Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, were required to raise at least $85, and all proceeds went to the state’s Special Olympics program and to more than 10,000 athletes.

Polar Plunges are popular Special Olympics fundraisers across the United States. Colorado has been hosting such events for three years, but this is the first time one has been hosted in the Boulder area.

“We came here to freeze for a reason,” said Kappa Alpha Theta’s Megan Beranek quickly, as she dried off after thawing out in the hot tub. Her skin was red and the adrenaline of the exhilarating event still coursed through her body.

Beranek’s aunt, Mindy Watrous, works for Special Olympics Colorado, and because of that Beranek has done volunteer work several times for the organization. However, this was her first year participating in a Polar Plunge.

“I’m in a sorority with these girls [so I thought], ‘Why don’t I just see if I can get a few of the girls to come with me and try to raise some money?’” she said.

Beranek didn’t know the exact amount the team raised, but said it was a lot.

Plunging into freezing water may seem like a crazy idea, but the cause made it worthwhile for the participants. Beranek said jumping in wasn’t as bad as she thought it would be.

“I was expecting it to be worse,” Beranek said. “[But] don’t discredit it. It was freezing; it was cold. But is was fun; it was worth it.”

Another participant, Stephanie Budd, agreed.

“The initial moment after plunging, my body was in shock. [But] once I regained normal function, I felt refreshed and exhilarated,” she said. “The girls on my team were talking about how good it felt even though it was freezing. I think we felt proud and supported by the people cheering us on.”

Budd is also a member of the same sorority, but she plunged with the CU Express Dance Team. She said she had originally planned to participate with the sorority, but realized she had an opportunity to get more people involved.

“When I asked them about it, they were really eager to participate and excited to make our own team,” Budd said.

Budd’s team raised 10 times more than they were required. In addition to her aunt’s involvement with the Special Olympics, the organization is close to Beranek’s heart for another reason: her uncle, Ben Watrous, is a participant.

Last year Watrous participated in the summer Special Olympic Games for the Southsiders team, where he competed in the softball throw and 100-meter dash. He has also competed in bowling and bicycling.Watrous said he does well in the Special Olympics and has won silver and gold medals.

Watrous was at the Polar Plunge to cheer on Beranek’s and Budd’s teams.

“C-U! C-U! C-U!” he excitedly chanted as the dance team prepared to plunge.

Although he thought they were crazy for jumping into the water, he said he was happy they were there and supporting the cause.

Sarah Traut, Law Enforcement Torch Run and special events coordinator, estimated 60 people participated in the Polar Plunge.

“Obviously numbers aren’t quite where we want them to be as far as plungers, but [we’re] really looking at building it up here in Boulder,” she said.

Traut said she would like for the Boulder plunge to become an annual event. Both Beranek and Budd plan to participate each year.

“We talked about getting our whole dance team of 20 girls to take the plunge and [start] to fundraise for it further in advance,” Budd said. “It was a fulfilling and fun experience … it’s a very rewarding feeling to help out, but even better [because] it goes toward a great cause.”