TAKING THE PLUNGE

Special Olympics of Georgia benefits from groups’ icy dip

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

ACWORTH, Ga. — Water temperatures weren’t exactly polar, but the cold drizzle over Acworth Beach Saturday, Feb. 25, made the Freezin’ for a Reason polar plunge live up to its name for the hundreds of people who rushed into the lake wearing cowboy hats, flight jumpsuits and tuxedo T-shirts.

The polar plunge, attended by law enforcement officials throughout North Georgia, is held each year to raise money and support athletes from the Special Olympics of Georgia.

North Georgia law enforcement officials sprint down a short runway on Acworth Beach on their way for a cold dip Feb. 25. At right: Officers and officials with the Dunwoody Police Department huddle together in Lake Acworth after participating in the 2023 Freezin’ for a Reason Polar Plunge. For more photos of the event go to appenmedia.com

During the event, dozens of costumed teams including officials from the Dunwoody and Sandy Springs police departments ran headlong into Lake Acworth and competed in beachside games of tug-of-war.

Officials said the event raised more than $191,000 and will support 17,000 Special Olympics athletes in Georgia.