‘S’no Problem!’ Winter Weather No Match for Annual Polar Plunge

The first jumpers had not yet dried off near the fire when the temperatures dropped and snow began to fall during the Ninth Annual Polar Plunge at Camp Sloper on Saturday, but it wasn’t enough to scare off the near 100 people left waiting or hundreds that came to root them on.

In fact, the weather proved to be a fitting ambiance for the event, providing more of a winter feel as the annual event raised more than $20,000 – not including last minute donations – to help over 60 families send their child to camp over the summer.

“This is one of our favorite days of the year,” said YMCA Executive Director John Myers. “When you look around, this isn’t just a Y-thing anymore. It’s a true community effort and every aspect of the community is involved in this event.”

The 2014 jump featured nine teams and more than 100 participants, each with their own outfit (and some as cartoons). The feature team, Jon’s Jumpers, paid tribute to recently deceased Southington resident Jon Boros, who passed away due to health issues in 2013, but not before he had the opportunity to participate in last year’s event himself.

“It was a way for us to honor his memory and make a positive difference in the community at the same time,” his wife, Hacah Boros, said.

Myers said despite the weather, he anticipated that the camp would raise close to or more than the $24,000 that was earned just a year ago. He added that all money will go to the camper scholarships and providing for families who would not otherwise be able to send their children to camp.

Mark Pooler, YMCA Outdoor Center Director, said he continues to be impressed with how much enthusiasm the community displays each year and said 2014 was no different.

“Just take a look around, this is what its all about,” Pooler said. “In six months, these frigid waters will get to be an area that more than 60 children who otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to will get to enjoy.”

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