For the first time, Warsaw will host a Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Indiana. The plunge will begin Feb. 21 at 12:30 p.m. at the Center Lake Pavillion, 117 E. Canal St., Warsaw. On-site registration (including walk-ups) will open at 10:30 a.m. A few guests are scheduled to take the plunge, including Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer and Warsaw Community High School Principal Troy Akers, according to the announcement from the Warsaw Parks and Rec Department. As Special Olympics Indiana’s signature fundraising event, the Polar Plunge invites Indiana residents to be “Freezin’ for a Reason” by raising funds and awareness for adults and children with intellectual disabilities.
In order to plunge, participants must raise a minimum of $75 ($50 minimum with a student ID). Awards are given for those who raise the most funds for Special Olympics Indiana. There are also prizes for the best costume, incentives for dollars raised and an After Splash Bash. Participants are encouraged to pre-register online for the Polar Plunge at www.soindiana.org
Plungers are invited to warm up immediately afterward at the After Splash Bash party at Center Lake Pavilion. While complimentary hot food and beverages will be available for plungers, a $5 fee will be charged for guests.
The Polar Plunge was created by the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation for the Benefit of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities. Participants will brave the cold water at one of 14 sites throughout the state during January and February, with the largest plunge at Eagle Creek Reservoir in Indianapolis. Last year, the Polar Plunge season raised more than $580,000 for Special Olympics Indiana, according to the announcement.<br style=”font-family: Verdana, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;” /> “This event is one of a kind, as it gives everyone in the community an opportunity to do something fun for our more than 11,000 Special Olympics athletes,” Special Olympics Indiana President and CEO Michael Furnish is quoted as saying. “Our state’s Polar Plunge has been around for 16 years, and each year it gets better and better. Even if you’re not planning to take the plunge, we encourage you to come out to the Plunge site nearest you and support this state-wide event and cheer on some very brave Plungers.”
Polar Plunge events are presented with assistance from Indiana Law Enforcement Torch Run® to benefit Special Olympics. Special Olympics’ largest grassroots fundraising and awareness vehicle, the Law Enforcement Torch Run, features more than 800 participants in Indiana. Members of The Warsaw Police and Fire Departments, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department and Indiana State Police provide Dive Team and Emergency Services for the Warsaw Polar Plunge, according to the announcement.
More than 900 Special Olympics athletes participate in programs offered by Kosciusko and surrounding counties. For more information about the Polar Plunge visit www.soindiana.org or call 800-742-0612.
(Story By The Times Union)
