Warsaw To Host Annual Polar Plunge To Benefit Special Olympics Indiana
WARSAW — Supporters in Warsaw and surrounding communities will come together to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics Indiana before taking part in the annual Polar Plunge fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 18.
On-site registration for the event will take place in the pavilion at Center Lake Park, 119 E. Canal St., beginning at 10:30 a.m., with participants lining up to take the plunge from the beach or the pier at 12:30 p.m.
Special Olympics Indiana’s signature fundraiser, the Polar Plunge is a series of exhilarating events held each winter where individuals and teams brave the elements by taking an icy dip to demonstrate their commitment to the cause. All funds raised by the events directly benefit more than 12,000 Special Olympics athletes throughout the state, giving them the means to train locally and to compete at the state level in a number of Olympic-type sports.
“We’ve been doing this a long time now, and most people are familiar with the concept—but I think the newcomers are surprised at how much fun we have in spite of the cold,” said Senior Director of Development Scott Furnish. “Whether you want to challenge yourself by taking the Plunge or you just want to support our athletes throughout the state, this is a great opportunity to get involved and to support what we do.”
Participants must raise a minimum of $75 ($50 minimum with a student ID) to plunge, with awards presented to top fundraising teams and individuals. The top team from the orthopedic industry will be named winner of the “Chillin’ to the Bone Challenge,” presented by DePuy Synthes.
The event also will include an indoor “After Splash Bash,” where additional prizes will be awarded as participants warm up with complimentary food and beverages. Spectators and guests are welcome throughout, and can take part in the After Splash Bash festivities for a $5 fee.
To date, the Polar Plunge has raised more than $3 million in support of Special Olympics Indiana’s year-round programs and events, including a record $690,232 in 2016. More than 3,000 individuals are expected to take the plunge this year, with a total of 18 separate events scheduled in cities and towns across the state.
The Polar Plunge is presented by the Law Enforcement Torch Run to Benefit Special Olympics and is sponsored statewide by Duke Energy, Graycor Industrial Constructors, Coca-Cola, Bluebridge, Toyota Indiana, Knights of Columbus, Psi Iota Xi, DePuy Synthes, Solid Platforms, Inc. and Taco Bell.
Local sponsors of the Warsaw Polar Plunge include Paragon Medical, The Bowen Center, and Metzger Trucking.
To learn more about the Polar Plunge or to register or make a contribution in support of a participating individual or team, visit www.polarplungeIN.org.