ST. GEORGE — Teams and individuals braved the semi-cold water of the St. George City Pool Saturday, diving and belly-flopping to raise money for Special Olympics Utah.
The annual Polar Plunge drew over one hundred people to the pool at 250 E. 700 South St. to watch St. George Police officers Jeremy Needles and Lona Trombley leap into the 60-degree water in uniform. They were followed by many others, including the St. George Police SWAT Team, the Fraternal Order of Police, Wal-Mart employees, Red Rock Canyon School staff, the “Queen of the Seas” as portrayed by Suzanne Johnson, several Special Olympics athletes, and St. George News senior reporter Mori Kessler.
Needles and Trombley, along with Washington County Sheriff Cory Pulsipher were the organizers of this year’s event.
The mood surrounding the pool was festive as many came out to watch their favorites jump into the cold-ish water. And jump they did. Participants flipped, belly-flopped, performed cannonballs and jackknives. Donald Trump — otherwise known as Bill Mehn of the Red Rock Canyon School — dove in holding his wig tightly to his head.
As of this morning, over $2500 had been raised on the Polar Plunge website. Final tallies were not available at press time.
The Polar Plunge is an annual Special Olympics fundraising event where warm-hearted plungers can support Special Olympics Utah athletes. Individuals, students, Special Olympics Utah athletes, community members and corporate groups are all invited to participate.
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St. George News senior reporter Mori Kessler flies through the air on his way to a perfect belly flop Saturday in this year's Special Olympics Polar Plunge. St. George, Utah, March 5, 2016 | Photo by Sheldon Demke, St. George News Bill Mehn of Red Rock Canyon School dressed as Donald Trump, contemplates his jump before the event Saturday at the St. George City Pool, St. George, Utah, March 5, 2016 | Photo by Ric Wayman, St. George News St. George News senior reporter Mori Kessler leaps into the pool Saturday at the Special Olympics Polar Plunge. St. George, Utah, March 5, 2016 | Photo by Ric Wayman, St. George News St. George Police officer Jeremy Needles talks with participants Saturday at the Special Olympics Polar Plunge. St. George, Utah, March 5, 2016 | Photo by Ric Wayman, St. George News St. George Police officers Jeremy Needles and Lona Trombley leap into the pool with a Special Olympian Saturday at the Special Olympics Polar Plunge. St. George, Utah, March 5, 2016 | Photo by Ric Wayman, St. George News The "Queen of the Seas," also known as Suzanne Johnson, waves to her subjects before leaping into the pool Saturday at the Special Olympics Polar Plunge. St. George, Utah, March 5, 2016 | Photo by Ric Wayman, St. George News The St. George Police Swat Team leaps into the water Saturday at the Special Olympics Polar Plunge. St. George, Utah, March 5, 2016 | Photo by Ric Wayman, St. George News Bill Mehn, in the guise of Donald Trump, holds his wig and jumps into the pool Saturday at the Special Olympics Polar Plunge. St. George, Utah, March 5, 2016 | Photo by Ric Wayman, St. George News
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