Parents Of Lansing Athletes Plunge For Special Olympics

By Jenna Rummer

Among the braved participants who jumped into the frigid water at the Lansing Polar Plunge on Sunday, January 24, was Jeff “J-bird” Cole. Jeff plunged for one very important reason: his daughter was one of the first participants to plunge at the first Polar Plunge of 2010. This year marked Jeff’s sixth consecutive plunge!

Jeff has special ties with Special Olympics Michigan because his 20-year old daughter Jenna is an athlete who has been involved with Special Olympics Michigan for 12 years. She competes in swimming and gymnastics at the State Summer Games. She has also participated in the State Winter Games.

Jeff put a lot of effort into the costume contest at the Lansing Polar Plunge and placed second! Donned in a lady’s pirate outfit complete with a bedazzled eye patch, Jeff emanated enthusiasm and joy. He also brought an actual plunger along with him that he includes with his costume every year. “I just try to do something goofy and different every year, something that will make people laugh. Last year I was a French maid,” said Jeff.

Just before the plunge Jeff was excited and ready to jump but said he gets nervous right before he hits the water. After he emerged from the icy water he had positive feelings about his plunge. “It was great. It was warmer than last year and worth it,” he said. Jeff participates in the Polar Plunge to raise money for an organization that has made a difference in his family’s life and granted his daughter many opportunities.

“Since Jenna was born we’ve met all these athletes and people involved with Special Olympics Michigan. In 2002 we went out to Colorado Springs to the Olympic training center and when they found out Jenna was a Special Olympics athlete the Olympic athletes took pictures with her, gave her the Olympics mascot stuffed animal, and she signed the Olympic sign-in book,” said Jeff.

Posted: 2010-01-27