BY BRANDY TEMPLETON

A large crowd participated in the annual Polar Plunge at the Statesville Leisure Pool on Saturday to support the Special Olympics of Iredell County.

Despite the cold and rainy weather, the event exceeded organizers’ expectations.

“The fire department and the police department brought so much excitement,” Local Program Coordinator Bobbi Williams said. “We raised $30,000 this year.”

Proceeds from the event support local Special Olympics athletes throughout the year.

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