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'Super Plungers' Jump In The Lake To Raise Money For Special Olympics

(CBS) -- If you tell one group of people to "jump in the lake," they're going to do it.

The "Super Plunge" at Northwestern University's North Beach started at 2 p.m. Friday and continued until 1 p.m. Saturday. It is called a "super plunger" because 56 divers have pledged to jump in the lake once each hour.

CBS 2's Jeremy Ross reports many plungers wore costumes as they went for a dip and there was even a performance of Michael Jackson's "Thriller."

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The plunge is an act of endurance with plungers freezing for a short but and then coming out and warming up with a nap and repeating.

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Lots of polar plungers wore costumes. These two dressed as Anna and Elsa from Frozen. (Credit: Nancy Harty)

It's all part of the annual law enforcement Torch Run Super Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Illinois so athletes can compete in more than 180 sporting events throughout the year free of charge.

Dave Breen CEO of Special Olympics Illinois was among the "Super Plungers." He said it "signifies the obstacles and the challenges that the athletes go through."

The event raised $200,000 for the Special Olympics.

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