Take the Plunge for Special Olympics Indiana!
Jumping into a freezing pool or natural body of water in the middle of winter may seem like a crazy idea, but over the past 23 years, thousands upon thousands of our supporters have risen to the challenge, braved the elements, and made Special Olympics Indiana’s annual Polar Plunge a huge success. And with a total of 17 Polar Plunge events set to be held at venues across the state this winter, you’re sure to find a convenient location to make a splash for our athletes by Freezin’ for a Reason!
The Polar Plunge is a fun and easy way to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities — and it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. Sign up today to support Special Olympics athletes in your community and beyond by joining us for this extreme fundraising event for the warm at heart!
Learn more below about our plans for the 2022 Polar Plunge season and register yourself or your team today!
ABOUT THE POLAR PLUNGE
Special Olympics Indiana’s signature fundraiser, the Polar Plunge is a series of exhilarating events held each winter where individuals and teams brave the elements by taking an icy dip to demonstrate their commitment to the cause. Each Polar Plunge event has its own unique personality, with additional activities ranging from costume contests to 5K fundraising races and the always popular “After Splash Bash” — a celebration following each event where participants are recognized and presented with awards. Those who are unwilling or unable to jump into the water can still be a part of the fun by raising money and attending as “virtual plungers” or by signing up for our second annual Polar Plunge Run!
All funds raised by the events directly benefit more than 18,000 Special Olympics athletes throughout the state, giving them the means to train locally and compete at the state level in a number of Olympic-type sports. Thank you for Freezin’ for a Reason!
Three Easy Steps to Join the Fun!
STEP 1: Commit!
Make the commitment to participate in the 2022 Polar Plunge by choosing your location and registering online as an in-person or virtual participant.
STEP 2: Fundraise!
Share the link to your personal fundraising page and collect cash and checks from people in your community. And remember, friends don’t let friends plunge alone! Be sure to get your friends, family, and co-workers involved.
STEP 3: Take the Plunge!
Bring your pledge form and/or a copy of your online pledges to your chosen Polar Plunge event. Turn in all offline donations, sign your waiver, and have a great time!
Rules:
- Participants must raise a “bear” minimum of $85 for Special Olympics Indiana. All who raise the minimum are rewarded with an official event t-shirt, with additional Plunge Prizes and incentives available for those who go above and beyond.
- All participants must complete and submit a 2022 Polar Plunge Release & Waiver of Liability.
- Plungers must be at least 12 years old on the day of the event day to enter the water. Those under the age of 18 must have a signature from a parent or guardian.
Need More Information?
Call us at 317-328-2000 or contact Scott Furnish with any questions.
Virtual Polar Plunge Run
Want to be a part of the Polar Plunge fun without getting into the freezing water? Here’s your chance! Sign up today for our second annual Polar Plunge Run, a special fundraising event challenging anyone, anywhere to walk or run a virtual 5K or 10K during the 2022 Polar Plunge Season and to compete for special prizes and awards — like custom decals and this awesome race finisher medal, awarded to all participants who raise at least $85 for Special Olympics Indiana!
Plunge Prizes
The more you raise, the more we all win! All plungers who raise the $85 minimum will earn an official Polar Plunge long-sleeved t-shirt, to be presented on the day of your event. Additional fundraising prizes are awarded to those willing to raise a little more, with incentives earned at the $300, $500, $1,000, $2,000, $3,000, and $4,000 levels.
Plunge Awards
A little effort offers fun rewards! Special awards in the following categories at each plunge:
- Best Costume
- Most Money Raised by an Individual
- Most Money Raised by a Team
Knights of Columbus District Challenge
- District with most plungers overall
- District with most funds raised overall.
*Prizes will be awarded at the 2022 Knights of Columbus Convention.
Do You Have What it Takes to Be a Super Plunger?
Only for the bravest of souls and the warmest of hearts, the Super Plunger program dares participants to go above and beyond the call of duty. Do you have what it takes to be one of Indiana’s Super Plungers?
Here’s What it Takes:
- Raise at least $4,000 for Special Olympics athletes across the state
- Plunge at a minimum of two Plunge sites, one of which must be the Indy Plunge on March 6
Here’s What you Get:
- The joy (and bragging rights!) of being a Super Plunger…and a TOP supporter of Special Olympics Indiana
- VIP treatment at our Indy Plunge, including special recognition at our final After Splash Bash of the season
- Our top fundraising prize — a Super Plunger exclusive!
Five COOL Reasons to Take the Plunge
Join the #InclusionRevolution. Special Olympics Indiana is a nonprofit organization that works to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities in schools and communities across the state and throughout the world. Learn more.
State-wide impact. Since 1969, Special Olympics Indiana has grown to more than 18,000 athletes and Unified partners in virtually every county throughout the state.
Free, year-round athlete support. More than 10,000 coaches and volunteers help Special Olympics Indiana provide year-round sports, health, leadership, and education programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities at no cost to the participants.
The money raised stays HERE. All proceeds from the Polar Plunge benefit Special Olympics athletes in your community, giving them the means to train locally and to participate in statewide programs and competitions.
Plunging is a blast! Dare yourself to take the plunge and have fun with your friends — while raising money for a great cause! It’s a win-win.
Dip Tips & FAQs
How Do I Raise Money? Polar Plunge pledges may be collected in person or online according to your preference. Some common strategies include sharing your personal FirstGiving link via email or social media and approaching family, friends, and even strangers to ask for support.
Do I Need a Team? Plunging as part of a group or team is always more fun, but individuals are more than welcome to join us in Freezin’ for a Reason! Groups of any size can register as a team, but only teams of 10 or more members are eligible for Team Awards.
What Should I Wear? It may be tempting to wear heavy clothing to combat the cold, but when it comes time to get in the water, swimsuits and light, fast-drying clothes are best. Remember to bring a towel/robe and a change of clothes. Water shoes or old gym shoes are also recommended.
What Should I Bring? Make sure to bring all cash, coins, and checks made payable to Special Olympics Indiana. Proof of online donations made through FirstGiving is not required, as staff on site will have access to those records.
