LINCOLNTON—Saturday morning’s temps hovered around 36 degrees.

And the water in the pool at the Ross Recreation Centre was a balmy 44 degrees. So why would a bunch of local folks jump into that pool on such a cold day?

For a good cause, of course. It was the third annual “Polar Plunge: Freezin’ for a Reason, according to Lisa Frazier. An EC teacher at East Lincoln High School (her alma mater), Frazier handles the local co-ordination of the yearly Special Olympics Lincoln County. To a big crowd assembled inside the rec centre’s gym, she announced that the “Polar Plunge” had raised more than $3,000 for this special event. This year’s Special Olympic games are coming up April 26 at Lincolnton High’s football stadium.

And all that money raised? Well, it’s going to remain right here in Lincoln County, as Frazier emphasised.

“We’ve done pretty good!” she enthused. “I’m really tickled!”

Lincolnton Mayor John Gilleland was among the local notables on hand for Saturday’s chilly yet splashy event. Gilleland observed that raising money for Special Olympics was a worthy cause.

“I’m just happy to see all the attention that this group gets,” he said. “It’s just a wonderful cause. It’s a highlight to be a part of it and to witness it.”

The mayor also extended thanks to all the athletes involved in Special Olympics and to all the volunteers who make it possible with their hard work.