The University Police Department is preparing to raise funds for Special Olympics with the annual Polar Plunge event.

In addition to the Polar Plunge, a 5K race will also be held to assist with fundraising efforts. Amy Orders, assistant director for Environmental Health and Safety, and Kim Womble , a law enforcement telecommunications employee, coordinated both events. Campus Police C hief Jack Moorman shed some light on the Special Olympics.

“Special Olympics is a year-round sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.  Special Olympics offers sports training and competition in 19 Olympic-type sports to more than 38,000 athletes across the state,” Moorman said.

According to Moorman , the event is free for all participants. Various police departments raise money for the event by holding fundraisers.

“Athletes are never charged a fee to participate.  Law enforcement agencies across the state raise money through special events to help make this happen,” Moorman said.

Moorman described the event as a good way for the University to give back to the community in a fun and interesting way.

“The N.C . State Polar Plunge is about N.C . State giving back to the community and to the public.  It’s an opportunity for members of the N.C . State Community and others to come out and show their support and to participate in a fun event that helps a good cause,” Moorman said. 

Moorman added that community service is an important aspect of the University police department and that they commit fully to organizing the Polar Plunge.

“The University Police Department recognizes the importance of Special Olympics to the individuals and their families who are able to participate, and we take a very active role in organizing and promoting the 5K run and the Polar Plunge,” Moorman said.

This event offers of opportunity for student involvement, according to Moorman . Students are able to participate in the plunge themselves and donate money to the cause online. Students are also eligible to sign up for the 5K run.

Moorman said the event could invoke mixed feelings because of cold lake water coupled with the warm satisfaction for helping Campus Police with their cause.

“They can anticipate feeling very cold on the outside and very warm on the inside at the same time.  Going into the lake in February is not something that is going to feel good, but the feeling derived from being able to know that your participation has helped individuals with intellectual difficulties to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience is very heart-warming,” Moorman said. 

Womble suggested students get involved by joining teams to plunge together.

“People dress up in costumes and plunge into Lake Raleigh. Students could get involved by joining a team or registering by themselves to plunge. There is a $50 fee to jump,” Womble said.

Womble also said money can be donated online, and people can involve others using their social networking accounts.

“That money can be raised online by registering at www.firstgiving.com . After signing up on that site you can email, Facebook or Twitter to let people that you think might donate money on your behalf know how to do so,” Womble said.

Student Body President Chandler Thompson, expressed her excitement for the event.

“The Polar Plunge is a great event for students to get involved with, and gives N.C . State the opportunity to engage with Campus Police and fundraise for Special Olympics,” Thompson said.

Thompson also pointed out the event gives students an opportunity to explore Centennial Campus.

“One of the best things about this tradition is that it is on Centennial Campus, and gives students and community members a chance to explore Centennial Campus,” Thompson said.

Thompson added that she hasn’t “plunged” yet but is looking forward to taking a dip this time around.

“What is more fun than jumping in freezing water? I look forward to participating for the first time this year. I have vivid memories of the picture in the Technician a few years ago of Jay Dawkins jumping into Lake Raleigh shirtless for the Plunge,” Thompson said.

Gurindar Pal, a graduate student in electrical and computer engineering, said he would be apprehensive of taking a dip in cold water, but would like to check out the event.

“I would not want to jump into cold water but I would go and check out the event for sure and get another check on my 54 things to do at State sheet,” Pal said.

The Polar Plunge will take place Saturday, Feb. 25 at 11 a.m . at Lake Raleigh on Centennial Campus.