The following press release was sent to The Bloomingtonian Tuesday:
Be Bold, Get Cold During 2023 Polar Plunge
Annual Bloomington Plunge to benefit Special Olympics
Indiana will take place Feb. 11 at Switchyard Park
BLOOMINGTON — Jumping into freezing water in the middle of winter may seem
ridiculous, but for the past 24 years, thousands of people have braved the elements
to support Special Olympics Indiana during the annual Polar Plunge.
The 2023 Polar Plunge season will kick off Jan. 28 and continue through March 4, with
18 different events happening around Indiana. The Bloomington Plunge will take
place on Saturday, Feb. 11, at Switchyard Park. Registration will be held from 4-5 p.m.
with the Plunge to follow at 5:30 p.m.
This bucket-list event challenge individuals and teams to be bold and get cold —
taking an icy dip to demonstrate their commitment to the cause.
As Special Olympics Indiana’s signature fundraising series, participants must raise at
least $85 for the chance to plunge at one of 15 locations statewide: Bloomington,
Boonville, Borden, Fort Wayne, Greenwood, Indianapolis (Butler University and Eagle
Creek Park), Muncie, North Manchester, Petersburg, South Bend, Terre Haute,
Valparaiso, Versailles and West Lafayette. More than 3,000 individuals take the
plunge in a typical year — many of them raising significantly more than the minimum.
Plungers who raise the $85 minimum will earn a commemorative long-sleeved T-shirt.
For those who reach higher fundraising levels, additional prizes will include a metal
tumbler, beach towel and more. Plus, the Virtual Plunge program is perfect for
anyone who wants to join in the fun without getting their feet wet. Virtual Plungers
are eligible to receive the same fundraising prizes, and on Plunge day, they can stay
warm and dry while cheering on Polar Plunge participants from the shore.
Additionally, the Super Plunger program recognizes the bravest souls with the
warmest hearts. Those who raise $4,000 or more and plunge at two sites will receive
VIP treatment at the final event of the season as well as the top fundraising prize — a
baseball-themed Polar Plunge jersey available exclusively for Super Plungers.
Back again for 2023, the Polar Plunge Virtual Run challenges runners and walkers of
all abilities to complete a 5K or 10K anywhere and anytime during the 2023 season —
through March 31. Virtual run participants who raise a minimum of $85 will receive a
finisher’s medal and will be eligible for the same additional prizes as Polar Plungers.
All funds raised during Polar Plunge events benefit more than 16,000 athletes
throughout Indiana and help ensure an ever-growing number of children and adults
with intellectual disabilities can participate in the state’s sports, health, education
and leadership programs at no cost. To date, the Polar Plunge has generated more
than $10 million for Special Olympics Indiana.
The 2023 Polar Plunge series is presented by the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for
Special Olympics Indiana. Additionally, events are supported locally by community
organizations and businesses.
Visit PolarPlungeIN.org to learn more about the 2023 Polar Plunge events, register
and donate to participants
