West Virginia University - News and Information Services
WVU students to take Polar Plunge Saturday - professor organized chilly dip
Cool waters and warm hearts are forecast for Saturday’s (Feb. 19) 2 p.m. Polar Plunge Cheat Lake Chiller at Archie’s Lakehouse – thanks to Ann Richards.
When she isn’t teaching classes, the West Virginia University professor is busy spreading kindness as the co-event director of the West Virginia Special Olympics Summer Games and director of Monongalia County Special Olympics.
Her latest kind deed has involved organizing the Polar Plunge, that event where hardy souls dash into icy waters in the name of charity.
This is the first time Special Olympics West Virginia has taken the plunge, Richards said. Proceeds go toward year-round sports training and athletic competition for thousands of West Virginia children and adults with developmental disabilities. Some of the money is earmarked to support the Summer Games June 3-5 at WVU.
“Polar Plunges are quite popular all over the country,” she added. “The one at Deep Creek Lake ( Md.), raised $80,000 to $90,000.”
Richards, inspired by her 37-year-old brother Neville who has cerebral palsy, got involved with the Special Olympics more than 20 years ago.
“He needs assistance with all daily living activities, including showering and dressing,” she said. “He is able to walk, feeds himself and communicates rather effectively although he is nonverbal.”
Richards was 15 months old when Neville was born, and she said he is one of her best friends.
“I believe he has made me who I am today in all facets of my life,” she said.
Neville competes in Arizona’s Special Olympics in track and field, basketball, bowling and swimming. He has also made presentations in some of her special education and speech and hearing classes.
As for the plunge, “I’m still on the fence, but I have a sneaky suspicion I’ll be pulled in even if I don’t go in willingly,” Richards said.
Meanwhile, WVU student Becca Hatton, a senior public relations major from Manassas, Va., and her friend Jennifer Porter, a junior elementary education/multidisciplinary studies major from Burke, Va., have never been ones to shy away from a dare.
“I don’t plan on staying in the water very long,” Hatton, who is fighting a cold, said. “I plan on running in, staying for a picture and running out.”
Hatton has worked with Special Olympics before. She said she wanted to get involved and help a great cause.
“Special Olympics is such a great program, not only for the handicapped but for everyone,” she said. “Everything they do is so heartwarming, and you’ve never seen such happy, wonderful and courageous children. I used to teach the kids swim lessons in high school. It’s one of my favorite causes, but I’ve never done anything like a Polar Plunge….my friend sort of coerced me to do it.”
Office: (304) 293-6997