The Special Olympics’ Polar Plunge is a fun and cool way to make a difference in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities — and it’s an experience that participants won’t soon forget. The organization’s signature fundraiser, the Polar Plunge takes individuals and groups out of their comfort zone and challenges them to take an icy dip into a body of water in the middle of winter –- a sign of their commitment to Special Olympics and support of thousands of athletes.
There are 17 Polar Plunge events set to be held at venues across the state of Indiana this winter. Some events are in early January, while others occur as late as March.
Interested in taking the plunge for a good cause? Here’s how it works:
Register Online
Commit to the 2022 Polar Plunge by choosing a location and signing up as an individual or as a team. Many teams are formed from friends, families, co-workers and church groups.
Raise Funds for the Cause
Share the link from your personal fundraising page with friends, family and others in your community. Every dollar counts and encourages those lucky plungers to take a dip in frigid temperatures.
Take the Plunge
Turn in your offline donations, a copy of your online pledges and sign your waiver. Then prepare to take the plunge in any of the participating locations. Events take place at Eagle Creek Park, Dye’s Walk Country Club in Greenwood, Butler University and as far away as Ft. Wayne, Bloomington and Boonville.
What to Wear
Dipping into frigid water may tempt you to wear your heaviest clothing, but veterans of the Plunge suggest swimsuits, and light and fast-drying clothing for an easier plunge. Bring a towel and change of clothes, water shoes or old gym shoes for the event.
More Info
Plungers must be at least 12 years old on the day of the plunge. You must raise at least $85 to receive an event t-shirt, and Plunge Prizes are available to those who raise higher levels: $300, $500, $1,000, $2,000 and $3,000. Most events include after parties, costume contests and other fun celebration activities.
All funds raised go directly toward Indiana Special Olympic programming, allowing all athletes to participate free of charge and have experiences of a lifetime.
