For the first time ever, Warsaw, Ind., will host a Polar Plunge, benefiting Special Olympics Indiana. Braving cold water in the middle of winter is precisely what you have to do, in order to be part of this fun yet wacky event.

Daring souls and warm hearts will prepare for an icy dip at the 2015 Polar Plunge®. At 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, the Plunge will begin at the Warsaw Center Lake, 119 East Canal St. Warsaw, IN 46580. On-site registration will open at 10:30 a.m. (including walk-ups).

As Special Olympics Indiana’s signature fundraising event, the Polar Plunge invites Hoosier residents to be “Freezin’ for a Reason” by raising funds and awareness for adults and children with intellectual disabilities. Polar Plunge participants will brave the cold water at one of 14 sites throughout the state during the months of January and February, with the largest Plunge culminating at Eagle Creek Reservoir in Indianapolis. Last year, the Polar Plunge season raised more than $580,000 for Special Olympics Indiana.

“This event is one of a kind, as it gives everyone in the community an opportunity to do something fun, for our more than 11,000 Special Olympics athletes,” shared  Special Olympics Indiana President and CEO Michael Furnish. “Our state’s Polar Plunge has been around for 16 years, and each year it gets better and better. Even if you’re not planning to take the plunge, we encourage you to come out to the Plunge site nearest you and support this state-wide event and cheer on some very brave Plungers!”

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.

Plungers are invited to warm up immediately afterward at the After Splash Bash party at Center Lake Pavilion. While complimentary hot food and beverages will be available for Plungers, a $5 fee will be charged for guests to partake in food and beverage.
Polar Plunge events are presented with assistance from 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. Members of The Warsaw Police and Fire Departments, Kosciusko County Sheriff Department and Indiana State Police provide Dive Team and Emergency Services for the Warsaw Polar Plunge.

More than 900 Special Olympics athletes participate in programs offered by Kosciusko, and surrounding counties.

Additional 2015 Polar Plunge locations are Butler University in Indianapolis on Jan. 31, at Purdue University in West Lafayette and Kokomo on Feb. 7, Valparaiso University on Feb. 14, Ball State University in Muncie and Fort Wayne on Feb. 21. For more information about the Polar Plunge event in Columbus and others throughout the state, please visit www.soindiana.org or call (800) 742-0612.