By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

It’s a safe bet a lot of people are really glad the Hays 2014 Polar Plunge wasn’t today.

The annual fundraiser for Special Olympics Kansas is Saturday morning at 11 a.m.  The National Weather Service is forecasting a high of 56 degrees with a mostly sunny sky.

Volunteer teams have gathered donations for the “fun” of taking the Plunge into the outdoor swimming pool at America’s Best Value Inn, 2524 Vine Street.

“I’ve never jumped in myself,” says Brian Dawson, “although I have had to help chip away ice some years.” Dawson is the Hays Assistant Police Chief and a member of the Law Enforcement Center Polar Plunge Committee.

This is the third year Polar Plunge has taken place at the motel.  Team members must wear some sort of crazy costume although it doesn’t help much to ward off the chill.  Ellis County EMS is on standby next to the pool in case of accidents or hypothermia.

“It’s really a perfect place with the Plungers able to dash right back indoors into hot tubs to warm up and then we have our Post- Plunge Party and awards upstairs,” says Dawson.

Registration starts at 10a.m., costumes will be judged at 10:30a.m., and the Polar Plunge starts at 11a.m.

Vernon King will announce the “play-by- lay” of each team’s Plunge technique and Fort Hays State University’s cheer team will also be on hand.

The public is invited to watch the Polar Plunge.  All donations benefit the Kansas Special Olympics.

Hays is host to the annual KSSO state basketball tournament each spring.