Indiana State University Newsroom

Join Mayor Duke Bennett, Indiana State University Police Chief Bill Mercier, Terre Haute and ISU Police departments, GFS Marketplace, Mix-FM, the men of Pi Kappa Alpha and the ladies of Alpha Sigma Alpha at the Fourth Annual Terre Haute Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Indiana on Saturday, Feb. 11!

This fun and wacky event brings in vital funds for Special Olympics programs throughout Indiana. To participate, just raise a "bear" minimum of $75 ($50 with a valid student ID) for a daring dip into the ISU Hulman Center pool.

Participants are encouraged to pre-register online for the Polar Plunge at www.soindiana.org and setup an online fundraising page. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. at Hulman Center with plunging beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Hulman Center's south patio. Even if you're not willing to brave the waters, come out and cheer those who are!

Participants can register as individuals or as part of a team or group. Dust off the swimming togs, find a pair of old tennis or water shoes, grab a friend and start planning your costume! We want people to plunge in their wackiest attire! Don't forget to bring a robe and towel!

Awards will be presented for the best costume, most money raised by an individual, most money raised by a team and the largest team. The Judy Campbell Award, unique to the Terre Haute plunge, will be presented to an individual or group that demonstrates her commitment to persons with intellectual disabilities.

As the Indiana State event is one of five Polar Plunges to be held on a college campus this year, the Plunge will feature a Campus Challenge, in which a special award will be given to the largest campus group of Plunge participants (i.e., fraternity, sorority, sports team, club, etc.).

Plungers are invited to warm up immediately afterward at the After Splash Bash party located inside the Hulman Center. While complimentary hot food and beverages will be available for Plungers, a nominal $5 fee will be charged for guests.

By taking the plunge, you'll be supporting sports programs for Hoosiers with intellectual disabilities - and, ultimately, a better way of life for more than 11,000 Special Olympics athletes in Indiana. Special Olympics Indiana began in 1969 through the efforts of two Indiana State University faculty members, Judy Campbell and Tom Songster. ISU has played an integral role in the history of Special Olympics Indiana, hosting the Summer Games 39 out of 42 years and hosting the organization's Men's State Basketball Tournament since 1971.

The Terre Haute Plunge is sponsored by Hulman Center, Indiana State University, Clabber Girl, First Financial Bank, Complete Outdoor, Wal-Mart, ResCare, Sodexo, Pepsi, The Corner Grind, Mix-FM and WTWO.

For more information about the Polar Plunge, contact Paula Meyer at 812-237-3783.

Contact: and writer: Paula Meyer, ISU Communications and Marketing, 812.237.3783 or Paula.Meyer@indstate.edu