By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer
If you never participated in the Polar Plunge, this could be the year! The annual event is presented by Special Olympics as the largest fundraising event for the organization, which includes 19,000 members statewide. Funds raised by the event will not only support the athletes, but also helps continue to provide inclusive and empowering opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
The 2025 state-wide fundraising goal is $1 million.
This will be the 26th year for the Polar Plunge. Special Olympics’ motto is “Be Bold, Get Cold” and “Freezin’ for a Reason”.
To participate, Plungers must be 12 years old the day of the event day to enter the water. Those under the age of 18 must have a signature from parent or guardian. Each individual must raise at least $99 to join in the fun. Individuals may join an existing team or start a new team. Groups that accept new members are Hannah’s Frozen Friends and the Washington County Chillers. To register, go to http://soindiana.org/polarplunge and open the hyperlink; then look under “Special Events” to register.
Events for regional Special Olympics teams are held at the 194-acre Deam Lake, 1217 Deam Lake Road, Borden. There are several sites in the state holding hosting Polar Plunge events.
The first regional event is the Borden High School Polar Plunge at Deam Lake on Friday Feb. 14, 8:30—10 a.m., with the actual plunge starting at 10:30 a.m. The event is open to students and is labeled “The World’s Coolest Field Trip.”
The Community Plunge, which will include the Washington County Chillers team, is Saturday, Feb. 15. Registration will take place 10—11:30 a.m., followed by the Polar Plunge at noon. Ray Owens is the coordinator for this Washington County’s team.
Everyone is invited to attend and support the athletes.
After the plunge is Splash Bash at 1 pm.
Questions can be emailed to Scott Furnish at
Learn more and join by visiting http://soindiana.org/polar-plunge/
In 2024, the group raised $136,000. The total participants taking the plunge included 337 people and 28 groups. The groups that collected the most money were Hannah’s Frozen Friends, and SOIN Clark and Floyd Counties Polar Bears tied at $26,000.
Last year, the total number of participants from Washington County taking the plunge was 34. They raised $14,050. Members of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department joined in and collected $2,300 for the event.
Individuals, organizations and businesses are encouraged to raise money for the county team.
Members of the Washington County Chillers recently accepted donations around Salem Public Square.
Many members of the Washington County Chillers participated in the 2024 Polar Plunge.
The team from Prosser Vocational School enjoyed last year's plunge.
Indiana Special Olympics's goal 2025 is $1 million. Donations from individuals, organizations and businesses are always appreciated.