DJJ Views from the 2017 Polar Plunge

Photos from Victim Services Director Latera Davis. Story by Maria Rondel of the Department of Communications

Over 250 participants took plunge in the chilly waters of Lake Acworth February 25, when the Special Olympics of Georgia hosted its eighth annual Polar Plunge fundraiser.

The funds raised during the campaign go towards programs for more than 1,400 athletes statewide. This year, over $115,000 was raised on the day of (as well as during the two-week long campaign prior to) the plunge. The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) was one of the contributors. DJJ staff members collected nearly $3,500 to go towards Georgia Special Olympics programs.

Among the participants were Boy Scout troops, law enforcement staff, school teachers, radio hosts and many others. A former NBA star, and now an Atlanta-based business owner, Shaquille O’Neal, also paid a visit to the event. Although, O’Neal did not risk plunging in the cold waters, he did take numerous pictures with the visitors and Polar Plunge participants, and even judged the event’s costume contest.

Overall, this year's fundraiser was deemed a success, and there are already plans to hold the Polar Plunge at Lake Acworth again next year.

DJJ Plungers including Victim Services Director Latera Davis and DJJ Deputy Commissioner Sarah Draper

NBA great Shaquille O'Neal at the Polar Plunge

DJJ Deputy Commissioner Sarah Draper