AUDIO: Special Olympics Indiana Commemorates 25 Years of the Polar Plunge

Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at 10:34 AM

Greg Townsend joined the Morning Show today to talk about the upcoming event in Versailles.

Photo provided.

(Versailles, Ind.) - This year marks a significant milestone for Special Olympics Indiana as it celebrates the 25th anniversary of their signature fundraiser, the Polar Plunge. This momentous occasion presents the perfect opportunity to set an ambitious fundraising goal of reaching one million dollars.

For a quarter of a century, individuals have embraced the chill of winter waters, demonstrating their unwavering support for Special Olympics Indiana through the annual Polar Plunge events. This year, the 2024 Polar Plunge season commenced on January 28 and will continue through March 2, featuring 18 exhilarating Plunge locations across Indiana. These iconic events dare participants, both individuals and teams, to take the plunge and brave the icy waters in solidarity with the cause.

Among these events is the Polar Plunge at Versailles State Park, scheduled for Saturday, February 17th. The day kicks off with the Freezin’ for a Reason Run/Walk at 11:00 a.m., with registration open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. The registration fee for the run/walk is $35. Participants will traverse the picturesque hills and woods of the park before reaching the breathtaking view of the lake, the official Polar Plunge site. Registration for the Plunge opens at 11:30 a.m. and will close at 1:30 p.m. right before the costume contest.

Local Event Coordinator Greg Townsend joined Chelsie this morning to discuss the upcoming Polar Plunge. Hear the interview below.

A lively festival atmosphere awaits participants and spectators in a spacious heated tent, where they can indulge in various activities leading up to the Plunge. Admission to the park is free, and heated changing tents are provided for convenience. Festivities include the Polar Plunge Coffee House, the Lions Club Food Court, a Razzle Dazzle Basket Raffle, souvenirs, a costume contest, and an awards presentation post-Plunge.

The Versailles Polar Plunge has been a tradition since 2007, marking its 17th year in Versailles. Over the years, this event has raised over $575,000 for Special Olympics Indiana, with more than 1,700 courageous individuals accepting the challenge.

As the flagship fundraising series for Special Olympics Indiana, participants are required to raise a minimum of $99 to take the plunge at any of the eighteen locations statewide, including Bloomington, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and many others. In a typical year, over 3,000 individuals participate, with many surpassing the minimum fundraising target. Participants who meet the minimum fundraising requirement will receive a commemorative long-sleeved T-shirt, with additional incentive prizes available for higher fundraising levels.

For those who prefer to support the cause without braving the cold waters, the Virtual Plunge program offers an alternative. Virtual Plungers can still earn fundraising prizes and cheer on participants from the comfort of dry land.

Furthermore, the Super Plunger program recognizes individuals who raise $4,000 or more and take the plunge at two sites. Super Plungers receive VIP treatment at the final event of the season and an exclusive baseball-themed Polar Plunge jersey as the top fundraising prize.

All funds raised during Polar Plunge events directly benefit over 16,000 athletes across Indiana, ensuring that individuals with intellectual disabilities can access sports, health, education, and leadership programs at no cost. To date, the Polar Plunge series has raised more than $11 million for Special Olympics Indiana.

The 2024 Polar Plunge series is proudly presented by the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Indiana and sponsored by Duke Energy, DePuy Synthes, Steel Dynamics and Taft. Additionally, individual events are supported locally by community organizations and businesses including the Knights of Columbus, the Lions Clubs of Ripley County, The Eagle 99.3 FM, Aurora Eagles, Batesville Eagles, FCN Bank, Gillman’s Home Center, Haag Ford, Hardy Insurance Group, Heidelberg Materials, Aurora Lions Club, Meijer, Napoleon State Bank, Ripley County Community Foundation, Whitkemper Insurance Group and Wilhelm-Waggoner & Bundy, LLC.

Visit soindiana-rod.org/polarplunge to learn more about the 2024 Polar Plunge at Versailles State Park, register and/or donate to participants.