Waynesburg University is hosting a Polar Plunge later today for the very first time, and it is special because it is for the Special Olympics. 

People may ask the question “What is a polar plunge?” A polar plunge is where someone daringly or willingly jumps into freezing cold water for cause.

Students at Waynesburg University have the chance to sign up on myConnect. The event will be held in the Johnson Commons starting at 5 p.m. and going until 7 p.m. All plungers that raise 50 dollars will receive an exclusive Polar Plunge T-shirt.

The myConnect flyer states “Every dollar raised helps support vital programming for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

Resident Director of the South, West and East Halls and head coach of the first Special Olympics Cheerleading squad, Angelica Good, set this up to come to Waynesburg University. She gave an explanation on what the Special Olympics are. 

“Special Olympics is a global sports organization that provides year-round training and competitions for individuals with intellectual disabilities,” Good wrote in an email. 

Good saw this as an opportunity for Waynesburg students to help.

“The Polar Plunge helps Waynesburg students and the community by allowing us to come together to support Special Olympics athletes in our country and state,” Good wrote. 

Resident Director Kevin Thacker is very excited about the polar plunge.

“We are trying to help the cause and try and get people to join. Provide the experience for the students,” Thacker said.

The Student Activities Board will also be selling lemonade or hot chocolate depending on the weather. 

“The weather will not affect the event or have it cancelled. The colder the better,” Thacker said.

The weather will affect the water no matter what. 

“The water definitely won’t be warm, it will be between 40 and 50 degrees and 60 degrees at the hottest,” Thacker said. 

Good is very excited for Waynesburg to be doing a polar plunge to help a cause.

“It is great knowing that our university is coming together to supports Special Olympic Athletes,” Good wrote.

Waynesburg and Good are looking for this first time to be a success as it could have the possibility of being a yearly event.

“If all goes well, I hope to bring this event to campus for years to come,” Good wrote.  

Assistant Dean of Students Aaron Sielski is going to be taking part in this event. 

“It is very exciting to be a part of this Polar Plunge,” Sielski wrote in an email. “There is a lot of energy around it, and it is cool to know that we are setting the tone for something that could continue for years to come.”  

Sielski knowing that this is something new to campus he wants the students to be excited for the event to be here at Waynesburg University.

“People should expect a lot of energy, excitement, and definitely some brave participants, especially with how cold it is,” Sielski wrote. “There will be a great atmosphere, people cheering on each other, good food, and a sense of community.” 

Sielski foresees this polar plunge as a great part of Waynesburg and the community the University has. 

“The Polar Plunge brings our campus community together for a great cause. This event will help build school spirit, encourage people to step out of their comfort zones, and raise awareness and support for something bigger than us,” Sielski wrote. 

Sielski knows that this even is more than just jumping into cold water.

“The Polar Plunge is not just about jumping in a pool of cold water, it is about having fun, supporting a cause and making memories,” Sielski wrote. 

Angelica Good and the staff members of Waynesburg University are all looking forward to this event and are wanting a great turn out so that Waynesburg University can help and raise for a cause.