Valpo to host second Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics
The second Polar Plunge at Valparaiso University to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics Indiana will take place at noon Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Athletics-Recreation Center.
On-site registration for the Polar Plunge is from 11-11:45 a.m.
As Special Olympics Indiana’s signature fundraising event, the Polar Plunge invites participants to be “Freezin’ for a Reason” by raising funds and awareness for adults and children with intellectual disabilities. Polar Plunge participants will brave the icy cold water at one of 11 sites –including the Valpo campus — throughout the state during the month of February for Special Olympics Indiana. Last year, the Polar Plunge season raised more than $370,000 for Special Olympics Indiana.
The Valparaiso University event is one of five Polar Plunges to take place on college campuses this year, and Valpo will compete for the Campus Challenge award. The Campus Challenge award is presented at the end of the Polar Plunge season to the university that raises the most money for Special Olympics.
“I’m really proud of our community and our campus community for working together so well for this great cause,” said Charles Garber, Valparaiso University assistant chief of police and Valpo Polar Plunge co-chair.
In order to plunge, participants must raise a “bear” minimum of $75 ($50 minimum with a student ID). Awards are given for those who raise the most funds for Special Olympics Indiana. This event also includes prizes for the best costume, incentives for dollars raised and an After Splash Bash.
Participants are encouraged to pre-register online for the Polar Plunge at www.soindiana.org. Walk-up registration will begin at the Athletics-Recreation Center’s main entrance. The Valpo Polar Plunge will kick off at noon, with an opening ceremony featuring a costume contest. After the ceremony, participants will take to the water.
Plungers are invited to warm up immediately afterward at the After Splash Bash party at Hilltop Gym in the Athletics-Recreation Center. While complimentary hot food and beverages will be available for Plungers, a $5 fee will be charged for guests to partake of food and beverage.
The Polar Plunge events are presented by the Indiana Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics. Special Olympics’ largest grassroots fundraising and awareness vehicle, the Law Enforcement Torch Run, features more than 800 participants in Indiana. The Valpo Polar Plunge event is being organized with the help of the Valparaiso University Police Department.
More than 1,600 Special Olympics athletes participate in programs offered by Porter, LaPorte, Elkhart, St. Joseph and surrounding counties.
For more information about the Polar Plunge event in Valparaiso and others throughout the state, please visit www.soindiana.org or call (800) 742-0612.
About Valparaiso University
Valparaiso University is a comprehensive independent Lutheran university with more than 4,000 students on its campus located in Northwest Indiana, an hour from Chicago. Valpo is a community of purpose-driven, service-minded and ethical individuals who embrace the pursuit of truth with freedom, humility and compassion. Valpo has been identified as one of the top master’s-level institutions in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report magazine for the past 22 years. Valparaiso University offers 110 undergraduate academic programs through the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Engineering and Nursing. Valpo also has a distinguished honors college, a School of Law and more than 40 degree and certificate programs in its Graduate School and Continuing Education Division. Valpo has been recognized for its commitment to outstanding teaching, preparing thoughtful leaders with strong cross-cultural skills and global awareness, and dedication to serving others.