CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The 22nd Annual Chicago Polar Plunge happened this past Sunday at the North Avenue Beach on Lake Michigan, Chicago. The Polar Plunge benefits the thousands of local athletes in the Special Olympics Chicago / Special Children’s Charities program.

Chicago Polar Plunge 2022 by Paul Sager, on Flickr


Participants were encouraged to register in groups and to compete for individual and team awards for costumes.

Chicago Polar Plunge 2022


The Chicago Polar Plunge attracts people of all ages, demographics, and abilities, just like the athletes of Special Olympics Chicago. Corporations, longtime supporters, family members, friends, and public figures “Take the Plunge” each year in support of Special Olympics.

Chicago Polar Plunge 2022


Plungers of all ages participate, with the majority of people between ages 25-34.

Chicago Polar Plunge 2022


My Buddy's Blizzard Bunch won the 2022 team costume award, dressed in Golden Girls-themed costumes.

Chicago Polar Plunge 2022


More than 7,500 athletes participate in Special Olympics Chicago. Special Olympics Chicago serves athletes in all 50 city wards.

Chicago Polar Plunge 2022


Bearded Villains is a brotherhood of elite bearded men from all over the world, originally established in 2014 in Los Angeles.

Chicago Polar Plunge 2022


Although self-identified as villains, the brotherhood is dedicated to the betterment of bearded mankind through Fraternity, Charity and Kindness.

Chicago Polar Plunge 2022


All images were captured in RAW from an EOS 5D III and the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM. Processing was performed in Adobe Lightroom 6. The title of each image is a URL link to the host Flickr page for the EXIF details of each image.

Chicago Polar Plunge 2022

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

Another good article Paul.... Always love your stuff. I wonder if those cell phones still work?

DianeL Loc: Charlotte, NC

Thanks for sharing this. Great shots. I got chills just viewing.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Thank you Frank, DianeL! I missed the opening ceremonies due to waiting to the last bus to get there in time, and walking out the front door and finding I was underdressed for the conditions. We'd been in the 60s on Saturday and the earlier forecast was the 50s for Sunday, not the 30s that actually arrived.

Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

Great shots, Paul. You captured the spirit of the event.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Thank you Mike!

Hal81 Loc: Bucks County, Pa.

And they walk among us.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

And swim too, thanks Hal!

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

Fun set! Love the one with the walker.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Nice shots, Paul. Those people are nuts!

Don-W

Great set, Paul.

joehel2 Loc: Cherry Hill, NJ

Great set, Paul. You certainly captured all the fun of the event.

JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles

Nice documentation.

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

Having a wonderful time fir a good cause. You captured the mood Paul.

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

Great series, Paul.