Polar Bear Plunge
The Polar Bear Plunge is an annual event that is a part of Greek Week. For nearly 25 years, Greek Week and Special Olympics Iowa have partnered together for the Polar Bear Plunge. Greek Week teams raise money to support Special Olympics Iowa by jumping into frigid water. Over the years the location for the plunge has changed, but what remains unchanged is the support students give to the Polar Bear Plunge. The donations serve Special Olympics Iowa athletes and Unified Partners. The money raised from jumping into the cold water helps supports athletes to attend regional, national, and international sporting events.
The relationship with Special Olympics and the jumping into the frigid waters is more than philanthropy. It is also about building relationships with Special Olympics Iowa athletes. Leading up to the Polar Bear Plunge Special Olympics athletes are partnered with a Greek Week team. Athletes join the teams for a dinner, perform at Lip Sync, and athletes can join their Greek Week team and jump in the water.
“We are proud to be involved with the Annual Polar Bear Plunge with the Iowa State Sorority and Fraternity Community. These students go above and beyond to fundraise and advocate for our athletes. Our athletes look forward to Greek Week every year, and love getting to know different students. They are true champions of inclusion,” President and CEO John Kliegl
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2019 also saw the addition of a Unified Fest event. On the very first day of Greek Week, Greek Week teams and athletes met over an afternoon to play games and further build relationships. The Unified Fest provided an opportunity for students to interact and compete together with Special Olympics athletes.
In 2022 Greek Week Teams raised $232,120.00 for Special Olympics Iowa. The Iowa State University sorority and fraternity community is proud to be a Champion Statewide Sponsor for Special Olympics Iowa.
Fundraising for Polar Bear Plunge
Donate to the 2023 Polar Bear Plunge