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. 17.
On-site registration for the event will take place in the pavilion at Center Lake Park, 119 E. Canal St., Warsaw, beginning at 10 a.m., with participants lining up to take the plunge from the beach or the pier at noon.
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 14,000 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.
Jason Langhorn of DePuy-Synthes is the 2018 Plunge Chairman in Warsaw, leading recruiting efforts in the community and among DePuy employees.
“Special Olympics offers such great opportunities for people with disabilities to compete and excel,” said Langhor. “Join the community in the fun, raise some money and make a difference. Come plunge with us.”
DePuy –Synthes returns for the fourth time as a state level Blue Ribbon Plunge Sponsor and is joined this year by Bowen Center as a major sponsor of plunges state wide.
In 2017 Megan Fisher was captain of Bowen Center’s Plunge Team. When asked about her experience with Team Bowen, Fisher said, “The Warsaw Plunge was one of the best team activities for Bowen staff in 2017. We look forward to another chance in 2018 for some Freezin’ for a Reason.”
Buzz Lail, northwest regional manager for Special Olympics Indiana, offered a little history about the Warsaw Plunge and some advice for plungers. “In 2015 the ice was 18 inches thick on Center Lake, the Warsaw Police Dive Team cut though it in an amazing effort and the event was a success, the next two years brought record high temperatures for the plunge.”
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 nearly four million in support of Special Olympics Indiana’s year-round programs and events. In 2017 Polar Plunges State wide raised over $700,000 for Special Olympics. More than 3,000 individuals are expected to take the plunge this year, with a total of 16 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, Toyota Indiana, Teachers Credit Union, Knights of Columbus, DePuy Synthes, Bowen Center, Uptown Retro Girl and Solid Platforms, Inc.
Local sponsor of the Warsaw Plunge is Paragon Medical.
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.