– Photos courtesy of Clinton County Special Olympics
The Clinton County Special Olympics team members, coordinators, sponsors and more traveled to West Lafayette on Saturday, Feb. 8 to participate in the annual Polar Plunge fundraising event where participants dare to Be Bold and Get Cold for a cause.
The event celebrated the Indiana Special Olympics’ 26th year of the tradition that raises funds to make a difference in the lives of more than 19,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities across the state. The fundraisers will continue as they cover 19 different event areas throughout the state from Jan. 31 through March 1. Last year, 3,400 plungers raised $1.16 million to benefit the athletes, and this year is setting a goal to exceed the previous year’s number.
Participants must raise at least $99 for the opportunity to plunge, and plungers who raise at least the minimum will earn a commemorative Polar Plunge t-shirt and a cup. For those who reach higher fundraising levels, additional incentive prizes are available. Additionally, the Super Plunger program recognizes the bravest souls with the warmest hearts, and for 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 special fundraising prizes.
All funds raised during Polar Plunge events 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 $12 million for Special Olympics Indiana.
“Thank you to everyone who donated for all of us to jump,” Clinton County Special Olympics Coordinator Crissy Earl released. “This is one of our favorite events to participate in. Our Athlete Leadership Council voted on a Disney costume theme for this year. I’m pretty sure the water was the coldest it has been for us.”
Visit PolarPlungeIN.org to learn more about the 2025 Polar Plunge events, register and donate to participants. For more photos from the event, visit Clinton County Indiana Special Olympics on Facebook.
