Muskingum University plunges past goal for Special Olympics Ohio

NEW CONCORD, OH- Plunging into freezing water isn’t for the faint of heart but that didn’t stop supporters at Muskingum University.

They braved the icy University Lake in the second annual Polar Plunge. This year they raised a total of $5,563.

“For the second year in a row our friends at Muskingum University in partnership with Sheetz in New Concord Ohio have put on a Polar Plunge, this year the goal was $2,500 and I believe that it is over double that, what we are taking home for the mission and vision of Special Olympics Ohio and the athletes of Ohio, so we just want to say thank you to Muskingum, Sheetz and everyone who made this possible,” said Kristi Peters, Director of Unified Champion Schools for Special Olympics Ohio.

The plunge at Muskingum is one of 14 frosty fundraising events across the state, part of an effort spearheaded by the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Each year, they help raise nearly one million dollars through Polar Plunges, Plane Pulls and other activities to help ensure that thousands of athletes can compete, train and thrive.

“The visibility and awareness that this provides to the inclusion revolution of Special Olympics is really why we do this, and it’s to bring the awareness back to the community about what Special Olympics does, who we are and the lives that we are able to impact,” Peters said.

If you’re interested in learning more about Special Olympics Ohio or getting involved in future Polar Plunges, visit sooh.org.