CINCINNATI, Ohio — About 700 people took part in the Cincinnati Polar Plunge on Saturday, diving into a tank of cold water to benefit Special Olympics.

They braved 40-degree water and an air temperature of 33 degrees in support of programs in Ohio and Kentucky.

“Plunge events are signature events for Special Olympics,” said Trish Mazonni, the president of Kentucky Special Olympics.  “These events take place all across the country and they’re extremely important for our annual budget.”

The event raised more than $145,000, which will split between Special Olympics chapters in Ohio and Kentucky.

Many of the participants come back year after year, like Hudson Montgomery, 21, of Reading, Ohio.  

“I think it’s awesome being a part of something so large and seeing all the costumes every year,” Montgomery said. “It’s nice to see everybody come together.”

Montgomery first learned about Special Olympics during his freshman year at Thomas More University, where he participated in a flag football game with Special Olympians from Greater Cincinnati.  Montgomery, who is a fifth year senior and captain of TMU’s rugby team, has been taking the plunge to support the cause for five years now.

“Seeing the faces of the people you get to help and the joy you can bring with these events makes you definitely want to keep coming back,” Montgomery said.

Over the years, Montgomery has lost 45 pounds and said this year, the water felt colder. 

“You lose a little blubber, kind of like a whale, and you definitely get a little chillier when you jump in the water,” he said.

But Montgomery is like a lot of the people who braved the cold water for a good cause.

“I definitely can’t wait to come back for the kids,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it.”