• About

    Find Your Local Program

    Special Olympics Indiana energizes athletes by organizing 10 dynamic Areas, each led by dedicated volunteers to support County Programs and host exciting regional competitions. Athletes thrive in vibrant community events, competing in various meets to earn their place in state-level championships.
    Find Your Community

    Our Initiatives

    Engage with athletes and volunteers across Indiana through our different Initiatives.

    About us

    Special Olympics Indiana engages and energizes athletes and volunteers throughout Indiana.

  • Competitions

    Summer Games, here we come!

    Summer Games is our largest annual competition of the year, bringing together nore than 3,500 athletes, Unified partners and volunteers together for a weekend like no other. A true specticle of inclusive sports.
    Explore the competition

    State Competitions & Beyond

    Special Olympics Indiana hosts a variety of state-level competitions year round and participates in a different national or global competition each year.

  • Athletes

    Become An Athlete

    Join Special Olympics Indiana, where 19,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities compete year-round in over 20 sports, enhancing fitness, showcasing courage, and sharing joy. Our Unified Sports® program fosters teamwork and inclusion by uniting athletes with and without disabilities. Be a part of something extraordinary!
    Start Playing Now
  • Volunteer

    Explore Volunteer Opportunities

    Whether you volunteer year-round, seasonally, or for just one event, you’ll create unforgettable moments and make a significant impact. Support over 19,000 athletes to encourage their growth and foster meaningful connections.
    Become a Volunteer
  • Special Events
  • Ways to Give

    Featured Fundraiser

    Man Swinging Golf Club
    Registration is open for the 2026 Champions Golf Classic.
    Champions Golf Classic

Join Us Again in 2027

About the Polar Plunge

Thank you to everyone who helped us hit our goal in 2026! Together, we raised more than $1 million to support all of the sports, programs and initiatives for 20,000 athletes across the state.

Polar Plunge is a our largest annual fundraiser where participants dive into icy waters to support athletes with intellectual disabilities. Communities gather in costumes, cheering as brave plungers embrace the cold for inclusion, courage and joy.

The event raises vital funds, builds awareness and celebrates teamwork, determination and the powerful spirit of giving, proving that a little chill can create lasting warmth statewide while inspiring volunteers, donors, families and athletes across Indiana annually.

Polar Plunge
Headshot

Maddie Melangton

Vice President of Development

Super Plungers

Super Plungers

The following individuals have each raised $4,000 to earn the status of Super Plunger for 2026.

  • Jay Beere
  • Bobbi Binggeli
  • Steven Binggeli
  • Steven Binggeli Jr.
  • Melissa Diekelmann
  • Jolene Grubaugh
  • James Helfrich
  • Duke Johnson
  • Garnett Kirk
  • Doug Melton
  • Mayor Matt Nicholson
  • Lynne Buckley Noble
  • Randy Parker
  • Daniel Reid
  • William “Stray Dogg” Rogers
  • Brad Schulteis
  • Jeremy Stout
  • Rose Twerskie
  • Becky Warren
  • Allison Werne

2026 Polar Plunge By the Numbers

Statewide Events

Handshake red icon

20

Registered Plungers

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3150

Amount Raised


$1,000,000

Frequently Asked Questions

Polar Plunge

When is the 2027 Polar Plunge?

The 2027 Special Olympics Indiana Polar Plunge will be announced later this year.

When will 2027 registration begin?

Registration for 2027 will begin Nov. 1, 2026.

When can I start fundraising?

As soon as you register.

How much do I need to raise?

Individuals must raise a minimum of $125 to plunge and to receive the event t-shirt. Raise more to earn more prizes, including a spot with the Super Plungers if you raise $4,000 or more.

How do I become a corporate partner for 2027?

Email Maddie Melangton at mmelangton@soindiana.org for information on how to become a statewide partner of this great event.

Check Out Our Photo Galleries

Staying Cool In the Cold

Here are some of our favorite photos from the 2025 Polar Plunge. Click the button below to view all of our photos on our Flickr page.

Stay Tuned

Sign Up For Event News

Fuel your excitement. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all Polar Plunge event details. We can’t wait to see you next year!

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