Taking the plunge: Divers donate proceeds to charity

Recent weather updates predict Bloomington residents to feel chilling 10 degree weather, soon.\nThe entire month of January was cold, so with the groundhog predicting an extended winter period, IU students can expect nothing less then a frigid February. \nThat comment does not scare the expected 100 participants in the second annual Polar Bear Plunge to take place from 9:45 to 11 p.m. Friday night at the Wildermuth Gym at the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation.\nThe event, along with 26 other crazy activities, make up the IU February tradition of Spirit of Sport, which, in its 27th year, has brought an unlimited array of athletic achievement to campus. More importantly however, it has routinely given thousands of dollars to Special Olympics Indiana, allowing those with disabilities an opportunity to experience the wonderful qualities of sportsmanship and competition. \nAs one of the brave souls who took part in last year's ceremonies understood, an event like the plunge can be painful, but it's all worth it in the end. \n"It was cold and invigorating, but also a lot of fun," said Joanne Orrange, head of Spirit of Sport.\nHer suggestion to the contestants is to have a towel or a robe readily available at all times. To be a participant, a person needs to have at least $50 contributed to their campaign and to register between 6 and 9:45 p.m. Friday night. All of the money goes straight to the Special Olympics. Orrange said, for all of Spirit of Sport, 200 volunteers will be utilized. The members of the plunge committee hope to raise double the $3,500 they raised last year. \nStacy Dixon, president of the Spirit of Sport steering committee and a participant herself, understands for events like the plunge, credit must be given to both the long list of volunteers that will take part in the evening, but also all of the members of specific committees of Spirit of Sport. The committees have regularly met at least once a week since the beginning of classes in order to plan the project.\n"It (the Spirit of Sport) is going to be a great event, people should support Spirit of Sport not just for the Special Olympics, but also for members of the committees," Dixon said. \nWhen asked if she had any signs of anxiety before entering the water, she quipped she was a little nervous, especially with the "way the weather has been lately." \nTo many participants, the main strategy in order to survive the event is to deeply concentrate and pray they don't experience a nasty case of frostbite. Other people don't want to go through such trouble. \n"(I plan) to jump in and get right out," said participant Maggie Brozio with a laugh. \nBrozio plans on taking Orrange's advice as she plans on having her roommate available with plenty of blankets after the big moment. Personally, Brozio raised $50 dollars, but she also is part of a group hoping to have Dean of Students Richard McKaig also participate. \nThe prizes advertised are given to the best competitors, such as a long-sleeve t-shirts to all participants, plunger awards to the wackiest plunger, plunger with the most volunteers and plunger who raised the most money. The best way to win such exotic items is to come out, watch and participate in the coldest party on campus. \n"I encourage students to just come and check it out. This is truly something to be experienced," said Orrange. \nBrozio said she can't wait for the event.\n"It will be really fun to see people freeze their butts off."\n-- Contact staff writer Drew Smith at asmithii@indiana.edu.