MARION — Tabor Academy students and faculty members, 65 of them, plunged into the water at Silvershell Beach on Dec. 15 in support of Special Olympics.

“Don’t act cold, act like it’s summer,” Head of School John Quirk said to Tabor participants.

Quirk ran in in a football uniform, with an old fashioned helmet. One organizer told Sippican Week that last year he ran in in a full suit.

Marion Fire Safety divers were on scene in case anyone had a negative reaction to the freezing temperatures. Luckily there were no adverse affects, beyond goosebumps, shocked faces and shivers.

This year marks Tabor Academy’s fourth plunge, which is one of 17 across the state.

The board focuses on working with young athletes, ages 3 to 6, and hosts Special Olympics athletes one day in the fall. The funds that it raised will go to supporting its outreach.

Kylie Smith said she was wanted to go in the freezing water because “it’s for a great cause. Getting in the water for a few minutes pales in comparison to the hardships that [special athletes] live with 24-7.”

One Tabor student and board member said she was inspired to join the group because her brother is autistic. “Others need more help, but they should be able to enjoy the same thing as anyone else.”

She noted that the group is also very accessible to join, as it only meets for two hours on Sunday on campus.

Sami Quackenbush’s aunt and uncle had worked with Special Olympics for a long time, and inspired her to join.

The student board in charge of the Special Olympics fundraiser set a $5,000 goal, but at the time of the fundraiser had already made $6,300.