More than 5,000 people on Sunday sprayed the Michigan Lake for the 24th annual Chicago Polar Dip, raising more than a million dollars for special Olympic programs.
Participants, many of whom donated to the chutli costumes and matching dresses, were divided into the lake with a 60 -degree season.
All income special Olympic Chicago athletes will benefit, transportation for competitions, uniforms and equipment will be funded. Last year, Dubki raised $ 2.1 million.
The event went for hours as the participants moved to the beach running. Some people were going to their waist, while others used to do pigeons in the head to cheer on the first crowd. The groups introduced for photos before getting out of frigid water.
After a dip, 45 -year -old Catherine Tranka blurred the Bruce Springstein song across the sand with speakers. She wore a flowing white gown and a blonde wig.
“I like to think myself as a modern Marilyn Munro,” said Tranka. “I thought, ‘Do you know what? Big do or go home.”
This is the first time she participates in a dip, which she involves through her employer, comed. Unnecessarily hot weather reduced the spirit of cold water, he said.
“It was great, hot than my expectation,” said Tranka. “We are very lucky with the weather this year.”
Shannon Rovers led the procession as the participants took a dip in a warm morning lake Michigan during the 24th annual Chicago Polar Dip on North Avenue Beach on Sunday, March 3, 2024. (Brian Cassala/Chicago Tribune)
It was the fifth year of 75 -year -old Mariana Zoratic. She trembled because she wrapped a towel on her shoulders. But the athlete, a 10-time marathner, was not stopped from cold.
“It was fun,” the zoratic said, originally from Croatia. “It was slippery, though. You slip and you slide. ,
The zoratic expects to return next year. “If I am alive,” he combined with a laugh.
The line with white tents was packed with the audience. A line of expected participants, to wear bright swimsuit and athletic, snatched along the edge. Even Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson was among the participants, the city said on Wednesday.
Johnson said in a statement, “The incident is a symbol of commitment to the inclusion, empowerment and community support of our city.”
The 43 -year -old Kate Cressl, representing the Chicago Athletic Club, waited for his two sons. His group wore a sparkly pink barbie T-shirt.
“We just thought, ‘What upliftment and inspiration is this year?” And this is Barbie, “Cresl said.
Kreissl said that the sun sky reduced his veins. His 8 -year -old son, Bennett, was free from him.
“It’s going to cool,” said Bennett.
The vanis who stood back and forth, wearing only a white apron, emerged with the name of his employer, progressive. This was his third time-this year, his six-person team raised $ 1,500.
“You will panic just before, and then when you are inside, this is what is,” 37 -year -old Vanis said.
He recalled how, during the 2019 dip, volunteers had to break the ice along the surface of the lake.
“So this is nothing,” Vanis said, smiling as the sun’s heartbeat.
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