Super Plungers dive deep during the Rochester Polar Plunge

(ABC 6 News) – It was an eventful day at Foster Arend lake in Rochester, where the Super Plungers took part in the 22nd Annual Polar Plunge.

The Super Plungers jumped not once, not twice, but approaching 24 total jumps on the day. But for them it’s all worth it.

The Polar Plunge is an event presented by law enforcement to raise money for the Minnesota Special Olympics.

“The challenges that they’ve had in their lives don’t compare to us having to get cold a few times in a 24 hour period,” said Macey Tesmer.

Macey has a cousin that is a Special Olympics athlete, so this event means a lot to her.

There were other plungers who took part in the plunge for a loved one.

So, my close friend Matt Lardy, he’s an athlete, he’s actually from the St. Cloud area, but he’s my driving force for getting involved in this and continuing to do it every year,” explained Jared Pullis.

The Rochester Plunge has raised over $3,648,438 in its 21-year history. In 2022, 663 Plungers raised $250,699!

The Super Plungers will be back Saturday for the mass plunging event at Foster Arend park.

Day-of registration/check in begins at 10 a.m.

For more information or to register, visit HERE.

ABC 6 News has had coverage of the event all day, at 5p.m., we spoke with Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson about the event and what it means for Special Olympic athletes.

At 6 p.m., we caught up with Super plunger Macey Tesmer about the family connection that makes this event so special for her.

And on ABC 6 News Daytime, anchor Devin Martin decided to make a last minute, spontaneous decision and take a dip into the frigid 32° water on live television.

As Devin went took the plunge, Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson took over the microphone and camera to offer some play-by-play in support of Devin’s plunge.