Chelsea High School Principal Gears Up for University of Michigan Polar Plunge

Nearly 90 teams, including at least one with ties to Chelsea, will take the University of Michigan Polar Plunge on Feb. 23, in Ann Arbor to raise money for Special Olympics Michigan.

Hundreds of brave souls will defy the cold to take a dip in a pool set up inside Michigan Stadium, following a parade of costumes from the locker rooms, down the tunnel and onto the field for the event. An awards ceremony will be held after the plunge.

The high Saturday will be 38 degrees under partly sunny skies, according to the National Weather Service.

Chelsea High School Principal Mike Kapolka, Assistant Principal Luman Strong and Athletic Director Jeremy Barkey are participating in this year's event.

Kapolka said this is his third time participating in the fundraiser.

"This event is one that we feel deeply committed to as we have several CHS students who participate in Special Olympics," he said. "The Polar Plunge is a fun and creative way to bring attention to the Special Olympics of Michigan, as it offers our students the ability to experience the benefits of physical fitness and team work through competition. Our costumes this year will be CHS basketball uniforms, so we're hopeful that the weather will cooperate." 

Kapolka said the team is close to achieving its fundraising goal of $1,000 for this year's plunge. The trio has raised $820. Here's a link to their fundraising page.

Visit the Polar Plunge website to browse a full list of participants. So far, the event has raised $78,238 for Special Olympics Michigan.

"By participating in this Polar Plunge you are helping to raise funds for over 19,000 athletes who participate in Special Olympics Michigan," says the Polar Plunge website. "Special Olympics Michigan is a year-round program offering sports for those with intellectual disabilities. Although sports are the 'vehicle,' the ultimate goal of Special Olympics is to help persons with intellectual disabilities participate and receive respect as members of their communities."