Thousands plunge into the Bay for Special Olympics

SEVERNA PARK, Md. - The women's Navy lacrosse team took a dip in the Chesapeake Bay at Sandy Point, along with thousands of people.

Yes, they're nuts.  It may feel like fall, but it's still January.

It was the 16th year for the Polar Bear Plunge to benefit the Special Olympics of Maryland.  About 10,000 people went in the water.  Each of them had to raise at least $50.

But why, oh why, do they choose to freeze?

"They're probably stronger athletes than we are, overcoming all the obstacles they've had to get through in order to keep competing," said Molly Hamilton, a Navy lacrosse player who took the plunge.    

Special Olympics of Maryland Chief Operating Officer Tom Waite estimates $2 million was raised. 

"All of the money raised from this event benefits our Special Olympics athletes who train and compete throughout the state at no cost to themselves, no registration fee," said Waite. 

Fifty super plungers are still thawing out since they went into the water once an hour for 24 hours.  They raised $10,000 each.