Polar Plunge is a big day for WaKeeney 14-year-old

(left to right) Rod Armbrister, Dana Ellis, Ryan Townley, Robin Armbrister

By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

This year’s 5th annual “Polar Plunge” was a special one for Ryan Townley. Not only is it Townley’s 14th birthday, but it’s also the first time his mom was letting him take the plunge himself.

According to Ryan’s mom, Joan Townley of WaKeeney, the family has participated in the Polar Plunge, an event which raises money for the Special Olympics, for four years. However, when it came to Ryan — who was born with Down syndrome — she admits she was a bit “scared” when Ryan asked to take a dip in the cold water himself.

“But he wanted to do it, so we let him,” she said.

According to one of Saturday morning’s Polar Plunge organizers, Assistant Chief of Police, Brain Dawson, The Polar Plunge is an event in which participants raise money for the Special Olympics—- and then willingly jump into the America’s Best Value Inn pool in the middle of winter.

“The sun is shining, but the water is still cold — just ask the plungers.” Dawson said.

But not too cold for Ryan.

“I’m good,” he said, smiling.

Joan Townley said events such as the Polar Plunge are important.

“It’s the support,” she said. “Seeing these people go out and raise money for things that might benefit my son.”

“It’s awesome,” added Ryan’s cousin, Dana Ellis of Hays. “Ever since my little cousin was born, I have been really active in the Special Olympics.” Ellis has jumped in the Polar Plunge for four years.

Dawson does not yet know how much money the event raised, but does know “it will be nowhere what it was last year.”

Dawson said participation in this year’s event was not near as high as recent years. In fact, just nine jumpers participated in this year’s plunge compared to around 40 last year.

Dawson said he greatly appreciated the support of this year’s sponsors and participants, but organizers may think about doing “something different” next year such as moving the date to February or changing to a marathon instead.

Apparently Ryan hopes the “plunge” remains. When asked if he wanted to take the Polar Plunge again next year he said, “Oh yeah!”