WESTFORD CENTER — Students at Westford Academy took the plunge on Tuesday — literally — but all for a good cause.
The school’s annual Polar Plunge took place Tuesday afternoon outside the school building, where students, teachers and administrators jumped into a tank of icy water to raise money for Special Olympics Massachusetts.
Westford Academy’s event is part of the statewide Polar Plunge, a winter fundraiser that supports sports training and competitions for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Participants checked in during the afternoon before the plunge began around 3 p.m., with teams of students and school groups cheering each other on as they braved the freezing water.
The event is organized largely by the school’s student leaders and clubs, who spend weeks collecting donations and recruiting teams.
In past years, the plunge has drawn more than 100 participants and raised thousands of dollars for Special Olympics programs that serve thousands of athletes across Massachusetts.
Organizers said the icy jump is about more than just the thrill, but about inclusion and community support. By fundraising and taking the plunge, students help fund year-round sports programs that give athletes with intellectual disabilities opportunities to train, compete, and build friendships.
During the event, the mood was energetic despite the cold, as participants emerged from the water shivering, laughing and celebrating another successful plunge for a meaningful cause.
