Strouds Run Polar Bear Plunge Is Wacky Winter Activity

For Immediate ReleaseContact:Curt Howard

(January 12, 2008)Phone:614-266-8429

Email:

STROUDS RUN POLAR BEAR PLUNGE IS WACKY WINTER ACTIVITY

THAT BENEFITS OHIO’S SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETES

(COLUMBUS, OHIO) – StroudsRunState Park, in Athens, is the site of a Freezin’ for a Reason Polar Bear Plunge, for the benefit of Special Olympics Ohio, Saturday, February 16. Everyone – individuals and those from groups and organizations – is invited to participate in this wacky winter activity, which raises funds for the more than 22,000 Special Olympics athletes in Ohio.

As part of this experience, participants obtain monetary pledges and then agree to jump or slowly crawl (however the case may be) into the frigid waters of DowLake. Those not wanting to participate in the actual plunge are encouraged to support the activity by making pledges to those who dare to take the plunge.

The activities for the Strouds Run plunge begin with registration at 11:30 a.m. A costume contest is scheduled for 1 p.m. with the plunge starting at 1:30 p.m. An awards ceremony starts at 2 p.m.

Pre-registration and all pertinent information is available at sooh.org. Local information is available from Strouds RunPlunge Coordinator Jeff Madachy at .

A minimum of $50 in pledges is necessary to participate. All plungers receive a long-sleeve T-shirt and goody bag. There are also incentive prizes for those who raise more than the minimum pledge.

The Strouds Run Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics Ohio is one of eight scheduled throughout Ohio this winter. Others are scheduled for MosquitoLake, in Cortland, January 26; Cincinnati (a combined effort between Ohio and Kentucky Special Olympics), February 2; Cedar Point, in Sandusky, February 9; SilverLake, in New Carlisle, February 17; GenevaState Park, February 23; AlumCreekState Park, in Delaware, March 1; and Grand Lake St. Marys, in Celina, March 8.

The Strouds Run State Park Polar Bear Plunge is being hosted by the Ohio University Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.

Special Olympics Ohio provides year-round sports training and competition opportunities for adults and children with intellectual disabilities, giving them opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with their own families, their peers and the community. Currently, Special Olympics Ohio serves more than 22,000 athletes throughout the state.

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