Before Robert Welles jumped into the Delaware River in

, his uncle Bruce Schmeal had a few words for him.

"Hey Santa: You're an idiot," he joked.

More than 600 people -- many dressed in random costumes -- splashed into the river and raised more than $90,000 for

's second annual Polar Bear Plunge today at Scott Park on Larry Holmes Drive.

Before the plungers took to the water, a group of Special Olympics athletes read the athletic oath to the crowd in Scott Park.

“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt," the group read together.



Matt Aaron, president and CEO of Special Olympics Pennsylvania, gave thanks to those preparing to hop in the river. He said many of the athletes were told "no" and "they can't" growing up, but events such as the plunge are "how we make it possible" for them to participate.





Former heavyweight boxing champion Larry Holmes had some advice for the plungers: Get in and get out.

"I hope someone has a warm blanket for you," he joked.

Hundreds of supporters cheered as the participants got ready to splash into the water.

Welles, clad as Santa Claus, dipped into the river with four others. The group participated to raise money for a good cause, Welles said.

Schmeal wasn't the only one who told Welles he was insane. His father, Larry Welles, echoed Schmeal's sentiments.

"I told Robert he was crazy but we were very supportive of him, given the cause," said Larry, 54, who has a brother-in-law who has special needs.

Robert Welles said he has gotten used to hearing that he's "crazy" for participating. Everyone told him so before he did the plunge.

He didn't realize how wild it was until he actually felt the cold water touch his skin in the 30 degree weather.

"You go numb. Literally numb," he said, still shivering a bit.