VERSAILLES, IN — More than 200 people took part in the Polar Plunge last Saturday at Versailles State Park benefitting Special Olympics Indiana – Ripley Ohio Dearborn.
As the organization’s signature fundraiser, the Polar Plunge directly benefits more than 18,000 Special Olympics athletes throughout Indiana and plays a vital role in ensuring that children and adults with intellectual disabilities continue to benefit from participation in life-changing sports, health, education, and leadership programs at no charge.
“Our athletes never pay to participate in Special Olympics, and the money raised through the Polar Plunge is a big reason why that’s possible,” said Versailles Plunge Chairman and Special Olympics Indiana–RipleyOhioDearborn Program Coordinator Greg Townsend. “It’s incredible to see hundreds of people supporting our cause by jumping into freezing water every year. And each and every one of them is champion for inclusion in our community and for people with intellectual disabilities.”
Seventy-four people participated in the Freezin’ for a Reason Fun Run/Walk on the morning of the Polar Plunge at Versailles State Park. Each participant received a finisher’s medal for their efforts. The race was timed by StuartRoadRacing.com, and participants can look up their finishing time by visiting that website.
This year’s Plunge at Versailles raised more than $46,000, with donations still coming in for online individual plungers whose donation pages are still active.
Anyone wishing to support a plunger’s efforts after the fact may do so by visiting soindiana-rod.org/polarplunge/ and selecting “Support A Plunger.”
Donations can also be mailed to 429 Manchester Street, Aurora, IN 47001.
