LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. —
John Louthan, 33, of London was one of approximately 90 people last weekend who were "freezin' for a reason" at Lake Cumberland's Lee's Ford Marina. These brave "polar bears" raised more than $21,000 for Special Olympics Kentucky during the annual Polar Bear Plunge on Saturday, Feb. 23.
"It was pretty unbelievable. I've never had my breath taken away like that before," Louthan said.
It was his first time plunging into the shallows of Lake Cumberland in February for the Special Olympics.
Louthan raised $110 individually. He was a member of the Somerset Community College team, who together brought in $635.
"Our physical therapist assistant (PTA) program likes to be involved in the community," he said. "We were all talking about it and I thought I'd go ahead and just do it," he said. "I'm not a big fan of the cold, but it's a great thing for the Special Olympics."
In addition to Lake Cumberland's plunge, five more plunges are being held across Kentucky in 2013. Their locations include Bellevue, Lexington, Louisville, Owensboro and western Kentucky. In 2012, Polar Plunges set a record with a total of 3,141 participants, who raised more than $725,000. In 14 years, the Polar Plunge events have raised more than $5 million in support of Special Olympics athletes.
For more information about Special Olympics Kentucky visit www.soky.org.
mmccrarey@sentinel-echo.com
Homepage
Related Photos
-
John Louthan of London took the Polar Bear Plunge for the first time Saturday at Lee's Ford Marina at Lake Cumberland for the Special Olympics Kentucky. He was a member of the Somerset Community College team. Photos by Magen McCrarey
Locals take the 'Plunge'
SCC team raises $635 for Special Olympics
- Local News
-
The road leading up to the resting place of Levi Jackson, the first Laurel County Judge, is completed. A dedication ceremony will take place on Friday, May 24 at 1 p.m.
- Local Sports
-
Daniel Neal (12) is congratulated by his teammates after he smacked a grand slam home run in South Laurel’s 7-4 win over Somerset Friday night. For Neal, it was his third homer in two games, as he hit two two-run shots Thursday night in a 12-7 win over Hazard.
- Opinion
- Features
- Galleries
-
-
SLIDESHOW: Veterans Day 2012 in Laurel County
From school programs to community luncheons, Laurel County supports its veterans. See pictures of this year's Veterans Day celebrations.
- SLIDESHOW: 2012 Laurel County Halloween Happenings
- SLIDESHOW: Photos of the 2012 Camp Wildcat Civil War Re-enactment
- SLIDESHOW: Sandy delivers snow to East
- SLIDESHOW: Kentucky town prepares for vice presidential debate
-
- Crime
- Community Events
Jodi Arias: Death Penalty Would Cause More Pain
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
