'Plunge' to raise money for Special Olympics

It's the middle of February, and the weather report says it's going to be in the mid 40s Friday. While these might not be the makings of a great weekend to spend outadoors, it is the perfect weekend for Spirit of Sport's Third Annual Polar Bear Plunge.\nParticipants, including Randy Barry from MTV's "Real World San Diego," IUPD Lt. John Butler, IU Parking Operations Manager Doug Porter and numerous students do what many say is crazy: They raise money to have the chance to plunge into an icy portable pool outside of Wildermuth Gym. The real reason for taking the plunge, said RecSports Assistant Director of Special Events Joanne Orrange is deeper than being daring or just plain crazy. The proceeds go to the local chapters of Special Olympics Indiana, which help Olympians participate in tournaments and go to the games every year.\n"Special Olympics Indiana is an organization that provides individuals with intellectual disabilities the resources and opportunities to participate in different sporting events," Orrange said. "Spirit of Sport is a way that students can give back to their community with little effort and they will have a great time doing so."\nThis year will be more exciting with a celebrity participating. STA Travel will sponsor the appearance of Randy Barry, who has appeared on MTV's "Real World San Diego" and "Battle of the Sexes." Barry has agreed to brave the icy waters if students can raise $500 by Friday, the day of SOS. \nEven though Barry has completed some tough challenges on "Battle of the Sexes," he said he's still a little worried about the plunge. \n"I've been warned it is freezing and not too much fun, but I am looking forward to the challenge," Barry said in a statement. "I am really excited I have been asked to support such a great cause." \nIn previous years "local celebrities" have participated, including Dean of Students Richard McKaig. Though McKaig won't be plunging again this year, students can look for two equally satisfying plunges in Butler and Porter.\nPorter said because this is his second year participating, there is less anxiety about the cold weather mixed with the icy water. The pay off, he said, is raising money for a good cause and getting a big crowd. \n"It's definitely for a good cause and a long standing tradition on campus," Porter said. "Students will get some enjoyment out of (the plunge). I don't know if it was just that there was an administrator out there, but they seemed to like it. They might have been paying customers or upset about their parking tickets."\nAdditions to this year's plunge will be a full parade of participants that will be decked out in costumes. Not only will they jump into freezing February waters, but participants will also be judged on their costumes and one lucky winner will be awarded "the golden plunger," an actual plunger painted gold. \nSenior Liz Wiggins, vice president of fund raising for Spirit of Sport, said the antics and camaraderie during the Polar Bear Plunge and Spirit of Sport is something everyone should experience firsthand. \n"You're having a laugh and realizing that people are doing this for a worth while cause," Wiggins said. "It's just amazing." \n-- Contact Senior Writer Katie Schoenbaechler at kmschoen@indiana.edu.