× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

A Polar Plunge turned tropical as dozens of people dove into icy water on an unusually warm February day to raise thousands of dollars for Special Olympics athletes.

About 215 people donated $27,277 to the 16th annual Polar Plunge fundraiser, held Saturday at Safari Joe’s H2O Water Park in Tulsa and hosted by Special Olympics Oklahoma.

About 15 teams of plungers, which included a dog named Liberty and the youngest participant, an 8-year-old boy, submerged themselves in 52-degree water in about 70-degree weather.

District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler, former District Attorney Tim Harris and multiple local law enforcement agencies also participated in the plunge.

For 15-year-old Erin Fidler, a student at Webster High School, taking the plunge for her first time was not just about raising money, but also about showing support for children with special needs.

“They can just enjoy it and not have somebody bringing them down,” Fidler said. “I know what that feels like. I’ve been made fun of. They’re strong, and I’m proud of them.”