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Annual Polar Plunge Set for Feb. 18 at App State Duck Pond to Support Special Olympics

The brave, the creatively costumed, and those with a heart for giving are invited to participate in the 18th annual Polar Plunge Feb. 18 at Appalachian State University’s duck pond.

Chilly waters awaited participants in the 2015 Polar Plunge at Appalachian State University. This year’s event will be held Feb. 18 at the campus duck pond off Rivers Street. Photo credit: Marie Freeman
Chilly waters awaited participants in the 2015 Polar Plunge at Appalachian State University. This year’s event will be held Feb. 18 at the campus duck pond off Rivers Street. Photo credit: Marie Freeman

The event is sponsored by University Police, other local area law enforcement agencies and Watauga County Parks and Recreation Department. Registration for the plunge starts at 3 p.m. with the plunge beginning at 4 p.m.

Since its inception, the Polar Plunge has raised over $117,000 for Special Olympics.  All of the money raised for the Polar Plunge remains in Watauga County to support local Special Olympic athletes. Last year, 162 hearty souls took the plunge and contributed over $7,000 for Watauga County Special Olympics.

The minimum donation is $25 for individuals. A minimum $20 donation per person is suggested for groups of five or more that register as a group.  Prizes will be awarded for the most extreme costume (male and female) as well as for the top fund raising group and individual.  All plungers will receive a Polar Plunge towel.

Anyone interested in taking part in the Polar Plunge or sponsoring a plunger can contact Keron Poteat, Watauga County Special Olympics coordinator, at 264-9511 or any of the Watauga County law enforcement agencies sponsoring the event.