This winter has been a cold one, but that didn’t stop groups from different organizations Saturday afternoon from jumping into a pool of freezing water for the 2014 Polar Plunge.
This event, hosted by Valparaiso University, raises support and funds for the Special Olympics of Indiana. All participants who helped raise $75 or more got the chance to dress up and take the plunge. The event kicked off with a torch carrying ceremony of the “Flame of Hope,” and reciting of the Special Olympics Athlete oath. That was followed by a flood of participants waiting their turn to take the plunge.
James Dillon, emcee and co-chair of the event with Charles Garber, explained learning about this event years ago and wanting the University's Police Department to get involved with the years to come. This Torch run event, which is a Special Olympics partnership with law enforcement, seemed like a great cause and something that the department really wanted to get involved with.
“I went to a few meetings, and from the first day I was hooked.This is our fourth year doing it and every year we get a good feeling knowing that we are raising money for a good cause. Special Olympics Indiana help out a lot of people and once you meet an athlete,they are the most amazing, brave people so its great to help out in any way that we can.” said Dillon.
Helping out is surely something they accomplished. The Athletics-Recreation Center at Valparaiso was full of groups taking the plunge, and others there to support the cause. All sorts of groups from Boy Scouts to NIPSCO got dressed up and braved the cold weather. Other sponsors of this event included: Duke Energy, Indiana Michigan Power, Indianapolis Power & Light and Vectren, among many others.
Group members from NIPSCO, Melissa Leib and Megan Brown shared their experience and what they organization meant to them.
“It was definitely very cold! It means a lot to us though to be able to raise money for such an amazing cause.” said Leib
After the plunge, the After Splash Bash was held in the Hill Top Gym. Food, music, award presentation, and good company were among some of the highlights for the after party. The best costumes, team with the largest group, and the team that raised the most money were applauded.
The 15th anniversary of the Polar Plunge brought together tons of participants and supporters who helped raise vital funds for Special Olympics Indiana. A little cold water didn’t stop groups from helping out a great cause, and having a ton of fun in the process.