3 . While the temperature in Chicago on March 4, 2018 was 5 degrees, the water was even colder—2 degrees. That didn’t stop over 4, 800 people on North Avenue Beach jumping into Lake Michigan.
The Chicago Polar Plunge is a yearly event to raise money for Special Olympics Chicago. Each of the participants (参与者) collect at least $200 from friends and family members to get the chance to jump into the lake’s icy water. More than $1.5 million was raised for a great cause: Special Olympics Chicago and the over 7, 500 athletes it serves.
Special Olympics, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1968. The group’s purpose is to provide athletic training and competition in 22 sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities (缺陷).
After some initial speeches, the first group of participants ran into the lake. Many of the participants were members of teams that dressed up in costumes (服装), including Minions and Waldo from the Where’s Waldo book series.
Chloe Krecun, 12, from Chicago, was shaking when she got out of the water. “I can’t feel my feet or fingers and my shoes are filled with water,” she said afterwards. But she would do it again to support the Special Olympic athletes.
As other participants headed towards the water to “take a plunge”, one of them shared why he participated in the event. “My cousin has benefited from the Special Olympics, so my family and I are here to support him by plunging,” said Brandon Marty.
Brunida Cotton, a special education teacher, was also paying attention to the Special Olympics as she prepared to plunge. “It gives the athletes confidence; they belong to a team and they enjoy being able to do things other kids do, ” Cotton said.
1. What do we know about the Chicago Polar Plunge?
| A．It involves more than 7, 500 athletes. |
| B．It was first held in 1968. |
| C．It asks participants to wear costumes. |
| D．It requires each participants to collect $200 or more. |
2. How did Chloe Krecun find her experience in the water?
| A．Comfortable. | B．Challenging. |
| C．Dangerous. | D．Exciting. |
3. Why did Brandon Marty take part in the event?
| A．To support his cousin. |
| B．To encourage others to join in the activity. |
| C．To collect money for the Special Olympics. |
| D．To get a chance to enter the Special Olympics. |
4. What does this passage mainly talk about?
| A．An introduction of the Special Olympics. |
| B．A speech to encourage people to help others. |
| C．A report about a plunging event. |
| D．An action to raise money for athletes. |
