Detroit Lions quarterback Drew Stanton jumps into the water at Hawk Island County Park in Lansing on Sunday as part of the Polar Plunge. The former Spartan quarterback was one of 247 people to jump into the 32-degree water to raise $53,712 for the Special Olympics.
Lansing — Having plunged into a cold tub to soothe sore muscles many times during his career, former MSU quarterback Drew Stanton knew what to expect at Sunday’s Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge in Lansing.
“I think I have a little bit of an advantage, getting into the cold tub we have at the facilities,” Stanton said. “But that initial shock — you never get used to that.”
Wearing gym shorts and a No. 5 MSU jersey, Stanton joined about 250 cold-water jumpers as part of plunge at Hawk Island County Park in Lansing. The annual event is one of 14 across Michigan to raise money for Special Olympics.
“These are signature events that happen not only in Michigan, but on a national level too,” said Vanessa Walsh, public relations director for Special Olympics Michigan. “We’re hoping to raise $200,000 to support the year-round athletic training of more than 15,000 athletes in our state.”
Dressed in costumes ranging from Santa Claus to Frankenstein, 247 participants took the plunge Sunday, raising $53,712 in donations.
The participants also ranged in age from children to senior citizens.
This year’s number of participants more than doubled last year’s total, Walsh said. Because Special Olympics runs solely on donations, Walsh said the event is critical to the program’s well-being.
“Our program is supported entirely by donations from individuals, organizations and corporations,” Walsh said.
“We couldn’t exist without the generosity and bravery of people like today.”
Residence Halls Association President Mark Dobson and natural science sophomore Brian Wlosinski made their MSU alliance known by yelling, “Go green,” before jumping.
“I jumped last year,” Dobson said.
“It’s a fun event to raise money for a great cause.”
MSU’s student sustainability organization, also known as Eco, also participated Sunday.
“We’re diversifying our interests,” said Mitch Lettow, an environmental biology and zoology junior who jumped for Eco.
“It’s usually environmental awareness, but this is a good cause too.”
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