CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The 23nd Annual Chicago Polar Plunge happened March 5 at 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.

Polar Plunge 2023 by Paul Sager, on Flickr


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

Polar Plunge 2023


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.

Polar Plunge 2023


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.

Polar Plunge 2023


At 23-years, the Chicago Polar Plunge has become the must-attend winter event in the city.

Polar Plunge 2023 by Paul Sager, on Flickr


The main idea of the 'plunge' is to rush into the icy cold lake and then jump right out of it smiling. There is no need to take the full plunge. You can just go ankle high or knee deep and you're done for the day.

Polar Plunge 2023


Personally, I hadn't thought about people and groups repeating, not just in annual participation, but also the same outfits. In reviewing images from 2023, I realized many people from 2022 were here again in 2023.

Polar Plunge 2023


ComEd, Peoples Gas, Old National Bank, and a host of Chicago's corporations are annual sponsors with teams that participate every year.

Polar Plunge 2023

Tomfl101 Loc: Mount Airy, MD

Awesome captures of a super fun event. Wasn’t there also an alcohol plunge before and after? You missed that. 🤪

13 Loc: I am only responsible to what I say..not what

Super story the picture tells!!!

Toment Loc: FL, IL

Thanks much
Brrrrrr…

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Thank you Tomfl101, 13, Toment! Several participants seems rather loosened up for the cold water. The larger corporate sponsors have huge private tents for participants, friends and family. There seemed to be a lot of food and drink and music inside those areas.

mindzye Loc: WV

Great candid shots! What an honorable commentary on what people can do to help others in need.

Dan5000 Loc: New Hampshire

Nice capture of an exciting event.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Thank you mindzye, Dan!

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

Great series of crazy people doing crazy things, Paul.

Bill_R Loc: Southeastern Wisconsin

Really enjoyable set. Thanks for posting these!

lnl Loc: SWFL

The plunge is for a worthy event, but I still think the people are crazy! That water is certainly polar-cold! Glad to hear they don’t have to dive in all the way. I would think a few hearts might stop. Nice sharp shots though

srg

Really great photos. I especially love the awesome genuine expressions of fun mixed with some discomfort.

Tdearing Loc: Rockport, TX

Excellent, well captured, love the expressions.

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

You captured the theme of the Polar Bear Plunge Paul. Great facial expressions 👌

scooter1 Loc: Yacolt, Wa.

Great photos. It's great the proceeds go to handicapped olympics.