Bowie Residents To Take the Plunge

What makes someone want to plunge into the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay in January? 

Thousands are expected to take part in the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge on Jan. 28 at in Annapolis. In fact, organizers are expecting to exceed last year’s total of 12,000 participants.

Eleanor Hansen of Bowie has a personal reason for taking part in the event that supports Special Olympics Maryland.

"I plunge because I have a brother with Down syndrome and I want to give back to an organization that supports and promotes these wonderful athletes, as they did for my brother many years ago," Hansen wrote in an email.

Hansen will be taking her eighth plunge this year. This is the third yearshe's plunged with a team from her office, the Big Dippers, from NASA Federal Credit Union. If you'd like to donate to the team, here is the link.

Peggy Brow, a  parent of a Special Olympic athlete (swimming), will also be taking the plunge. Brow will plunge on Jan. 27 as part of the Cool Schools Challenge on Frigid Friday. Organizers expect as many as 2,500 students from middle and high schools around the region to participate, according to a release from Special Olympics Maryland.

"I am team captain of the Bowie High School Brrrrdogs team and have over 40 students going to plunge!" said Brow in an email.

To support the students or donate to the team, go here.

Who else in Bowie is going to take the plunge?

Leave a comment below to let us know and include a link to your donation page so that others in the community can support your participation in the event.