The REPORTER
Special Olympics Indiana’s 2026 Polar Plunge season continues Saturday, Feb. 7, at Butler University, inviting students and area residents to “Be Bold and Get Cold” for a great cause.
Now in its 27th year, the Polar Plunge is a bucket-list fundraising event that challenges individuals and teams to brave icy waters in support of more than 20,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities across Indiana.
The 2026 Polar Plunge season runs through March 7, featuring 20 events statewide. Last year, more than 3,000 Plungers raised $1 million to support Special Olympics Indiana programs.
The Butler event at the campus Health and Recreation Complex begins at 9 a.m. with registration. A costume contest and Opening Ceremony lead into the main event at 11 a.m. The day includes awards for the top fundraiser, followed by a post-event celebration the Health and Recreation Complex.
As Special Olympics Indiana’s signature fundraising series, participants must raise a minimum of $125 to plunge. Those who meet the minimum earn a commemorative Polar Plunge T-shirt, while higher fundraising levels unlock additional incentive prizes.
The Polar Plunge season also features the Super Plunger program, honoring the bravest participants with the biggest hearts. Individuals who raise $4,000 or more receive VIP treatment at the season-ending plunge at Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis.
All funds raised through Polar Plunge events help ensure children and adults with intellectual disabilities can participate in Special Olympics Indiana’s sports, health, education and leadership programs at no cost. Since its inception, the Polar Plunge has raised more than $13 million statewide.
Featured partners of the 2026 Polar Plunge series include Coca-Cola Consolidated and the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Indiana. Additional top sponsors include Duke Energy, Steel Dynamics, Taft, Everwise, Fine Promotions, Chilly Goat, Precision Control Systems, Kinetico, Brew Broadcasting, the Indiana Knights of Columbus and Social Platforms. Individual events are also supported by local businesses and community organizations.
Visit PolarPlungeIN.org to learn more about the 2026 Polar Plunge events, register and donate to participants.
