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Take the plunge for Special Olympics Michigan

March 25, 2009

KALAMAZOO--The Western Michigan University community is invited to take the plunge into the icy waters of a makeshift glacial pool in Lawson Ice Arena to raise money for Special Olympics Michigan.

Participants in the Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge will plunge into a four-foot deep pool Saturday, March 28, to meet a fundraising goal of $10,000. Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

This year, the pool, sponsored by Sam's Club, will be filled with freezing water and set up on the ice rink on a wood floor borrowed from the Kalamazoo K Wings.

Registration begins at 11 a.m., and the plunge begins at noon along with a costume parade. Swimmers are encouraged to wear their favorite costume with the winner of the best costume taking home the Golden Plunger Award. An award and post-plunge party will begin at 12:45 p.m. Papa Johns will once again be sponsoring the party this year.

A registration fee of $50 is required to plunge and plungers are encouraged to seek pledges from family and friends All participants will receive an official Polar Plunge T-shirt. Shoes are required during the event, and wet suits are prohibited. The post plunge party and awards ceremony is free for participants, and spectators may purchase a ticket for lunch for $5.

WMU President John M. Dunn has issued a challenge this year for the University community to raise $5,000 and compel him to take his own plunge. A Web page has been set up for his challenge at firstgiving.com/presidentdunn.

There are additional incentives for individuals to raise money, with plungers receiving one of the following with a T-shirt: those who raise $200 receive a plunge sweatshirt, $500 nets an event fleece and $1,000 or more a plunge robe.

Registration is available at somi.org. For more information, contact Tom Dowdall, Special Olympics Michigan Southwest development manager, at t.dowdall@cmich.edu or (616) 583-1202.

Media contact: Deanne Molinari, (269) 387-8400, deanne.molinari@wmich.edu

WMU News
Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
(269) 387-8400
www.wmich.edu/wmu/news