Plungers Brave Rain, Cold to Raise Thousands for Special Olympics Indiana

Thanks to everyone who participated.

South Ripley students at the 2025 Polar Plunge. Photo by South Ripley Schools.

(Versailles, Ind.) - Over 100 individuals braved the not so great weather to participate in the 2025 Polar Plunge on Saturday. 

The annual event to support Special Olympics Indiana took place at Versailles State Park. Despite rain and cool temperatures 141 people took the plunge into the cold Versailles Lake water, while another 100 participated in the 3K Walk and/or 5K Walk/Run. 

The preliminary total raised at the Versailles Plunge (one of 18 across the state) is $67,452. Award winners included:

• Overall Top Cool School: South Ripley High School raising $11,534
• Largest Cool Schools Challenge Team: South Ripley High School with 35 members
• Top Teach or Coach: Mark Quicksal of South Ripley High School raising $412
• Star Student: Parker Seaver of South Dearborn High School raising $1,246
• Team Raising Most Money: Knights, Lions, and Bears (composed of members from the Knights of Columbus, Ripley County Lions Club, family and friends) raising $17,026
• Individual Raising Most Money: Jim Helfrich of the Knights of Columbus raising $7,437

All proceeds from the event help ensure children and adults with intellectual disabilities can participate in the state's sports, health, education, and leadership programs at no cost.