Annual Polar Plunge At Versailles State Park To Benefit Special Olympics Indiana

Signature cold-weather fundraiser supports year-round programs for people with intellectual disabilities in southeastern Indiana and across the state.

Photo provided.

VERSAILLES, Ind. — As the organization’s signature fundraiser for the past twenty-three years, the 2022 Versailles Polar Plunge at Versailles State Park, one of sixteen Plunges across Indiana to benefit Special Olympics Indiana, will be held Saturday, February 19th. Participants are encouraged to register in advance at soindiana-rod.org/polarplunge.

In the fifty plus years since its founding, Special Olympics Indiana has become a movement that is active in almost all Indiana counties, reaching nearly 18,000 athletes, 10,000 volunteers, and thousands of committed family members and other stakeholders. Their daily, year-round mission is to provide sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The result is that lives change — not only the lives of Special Olympics athletes, but also those of everyone they touch.

The Polar Plunge directly benefits these athletes and plays a vital role in ensuring that an ever-growing number of children and adults with intellectual disabilities continue to benefit from no-cost participation in life-changing sports, health, education, and leadership programs.

Individuals and groups jump into the frigid and icy waters of Indiana, soliciting donations from family and friends – often dressing up in costumes to make this “bucket list” activity as memorable as possible.

Plungers must raise a minimum of $85 in pledges and will receive an official long-sleeve 2022 Polar Plunge t-shirt. Reach higher pledge levels for bigger and better prizes. Plungers must be at least 12 years old the day of the Plunge. Heated changing tents will be available to Plungers before and after their big dip in the lake. On-site registration begins at 11:30 a.m.

If your toes feel better in running shoes than water shoes, you can support the Plunge and Special Olympics Indiana by participating in the Freezin’ for a Reason Fun Run/Walk through the scenic hills and woods of Versailles State Park. Pre-register at www.stuartroadracing by February 1st.

Spectators are welcome and admission into the park and the heated festival tent is free. Festivities leading up to the Plunge include the Lions Club Food Court, the Polar Plunge Coffee House, “Razzle Dazzle” Basket Raffle, carnival games for the kids, and Polar Plunge souvenirs. After the “big dip” in the lake, stick around for the announcement of basket raffle winners and Plunge awards.

Polar Plunge participants are encouraged to register in advance at soindiana-rod.org/polarplunge, which will allow them to create an online fundraising page that can be shared on social media and/or emailed to family and friends. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the event, donating a prize for the basket raffle, and/or have any questions, please contact event chairman, Greg Townsend at gtownsend@soindiana-rod.org or at 812-584-6861.