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Every year on the first Sunday in February, more than 2,000 people, most of whom know better, run into the Atlantic Ocean, dip their toes for a few seconds in the frigid water and run back to cover every inch of flesh as fast as possible.
They are doing it for a good cause. For the past 16 years folks from all over the area have taken part in the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Delaware. During those years, more than $3 million has been raised – all during what organizers call an “unbearable event.”
Taking a dip in the cold Atlantic Sunday afternoon was Janie Miller as a member of the Sussex De-Terminators.
Her son, Reggie, planned to plunge but a cold relegated him to support staff.
Janie is not only a regular plunger but is also active as a Special Olympics program director and coach in three sports – bowling, basketball, and track.
For years, Janie said, she was an observer of the plunge, even back in the days when it took place at Cape Henlopen State Park.
“I used to videotape it for Special Olympics Delaware,” she said.
Then in 2000, the call went out for 2,000 plungers, so she put away the camera and put on her bathing suit and blue robe. “I was hooked after that. I always thought why in the world would anyone do that. Once I did it, it became addicting,” she said.
So for the past eight years she and Reggie and other members of the De-Terminators have staked out their spot in the cold sand just north of Dolle’s.
And what about that frigid 40-degree water? “The adrenalin is flowing and you get in and get out before you know it. It’s a lot of fun,” she said.
Janie said the plunge keeps getting bigger and bigger. The 2006 plunge was one for the record books, but 2007’s plunge surpassed that.
This past plunge shattered records with more than 2,600 participants raising more than $484,000 in spite of the frigid temperature. The air temperature was 29 degrees and the water temperature was 42 degrees. “Yes, it was very cold,” Janie said, as she wrapped up after getting out of the water. “But there have been colder years.”
With a handicapped child who is now a young adult, the Miller family has had a special interest in Special Olympics.
They were named Special Olympics Family of the Year in 1997 and the Sussex De-Terminators was named Team of the Year in 1999.
Janie, who is a retired stay-at-home seamstress, said her work with young people is a special calling. She has been answering that calling since 1990.
Special Olympics Delaware is a nonprofit, volunteer organization providing year-round motivation, sports training, and competition in 16 sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities or other significant learning or vocational problems.
Her husband Richard Sr. and other children Richard Jr., (Reggie’s twin brother), Christina, Henry, and Angela have been involved with Special Olympics throughout the years and all lend a hand at another Special Olympics event each year, Family Day at the Beach.
Reggie, who is 25, has been involved in Special Olympics since he was 8 years old in a variety of sports including bowling, basketball, track, aquatics, and sailing. And his mother said he will remain in the program throughout adulthood.
“We love Special Olympics,” she said. “It means so much to the athletes because not only do they play sports, but they get to interact socially and create friendships. It’s a very good program and once people get involved, they stay for life,” Janie said.
And on the first Sunday in February, she joins with thousands of others who aren’t afraid of cold feet and believe in the mission of Special Olympics.
Contact Ron MacArthur at ronm@capegazette.com
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