Polar Bear Swim has Olympic theme

by Jerry Gunn (www.accessnorthga.com)

Updated Monday, January 2 at 7:06 AM

GAINESVILLE - The New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim, held Saturday, New Year's Eve, had an Olympic theme at the Lake Lanier Olympic Center at Clarks Bridge Park.

The Saturday date prevented a New Year's Day conflict with Sunday church services.

The Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club's theme celebrated the arrival of 2006 and the 10th Anniversary of Gainesville/Hall's Olympic rowing venue during the '96 Games according to LCKC's Connie Hagler.

"It's hard to believe it's been 10 years since the 1996 Games but it's been really exciting seeing what our community has achieved, what our children have achieved and it's fun to celebrate this way," she said.

Dressed only in a toga, champion U.S. kayaker Morgan House lit the Olympic torch and dived into the chilly 41-degree water as the first Polar Bear swimmer.

Also among the 103 Polar Bear swimmers were a number of Gainesville ministers who leaped into the water together for the first ever "Pastoral Plunge” as an estimated 1,000 spectators looked on. They received the "Plunging Pastors" award. (See separate story.)

Mayor George Wangemann made his 9th consecutive Polar Bear jump, this year dressed as a railroad engineer, and was named "Best Polar Bear Mayor." The Eichler Family made the Best Jump with their "Lord of the Rings." Nathan Margavich won Best Costume as a juggling clown. The Youngest Jumper was five year old Olivia Watts.