The NC State University Polar Plunge and 5K Run is a fundraising event for Special Olympics North Carolina, hosted by the NC State University Police Department and several partners from across the university and local businesses.
The event takes place each year in late February, and it has raised more and more funds each year for Special Olympics athletes, with almost $50,000 raised in 2010. Sponsoring companies have included Red Hat, Sheetz, Skanska, A Small Miracle, Simplex Grinnell, MeadWestvaco, and BJ’s Warehouse, all supported by additional fundraising by lots of state employees and students. The water is usually colder than 40 degrees when we go in, so we have chili and hot chocolate and lots of other treats waiting for plungers and runners after they are done.
So if you are interested in helping out with Special Olympics, or if you just like the challenge of running in a 5K or jumping into a lake in February, then keep an eye out for our emails and Facebook event page! You can be part of an IRC, Student Government, IFC group, or get other student organizations to participate!