Six teams from Lawrence County take the Polar Plunge Saturday

BLOOMINGTON – Six teams from Lawrence County took part in the Annual Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Saturday evening at Starlite Drive-In.

Lawrence County Special Olympic Teams from left to right -( Back row) Aaron Baker, Daniel Baker,Lori Branam, Mya Miller, Marty Johnson, Mike Branam, Hunter Brooking, Kim Wheeler, Sami Ragsdale, Gail Stiles, (Front row) Jenny Hopper, Traci Miller, Olivia Ray, Jade Emberton

The teams from Lawrence County raised more than $2,500 for the Special Olympics.

“We would like to challenge a local business or individual to match this effort,” said Lori Branam of Lawrence County Special Olympics.

Aaron Baker takes a plunge for Indiana Special Olympics

A total of nine teams competed in the Polar Plunge, including those from Lawrence County, and raised a total of $6,832.

The Lawrence County Special Olympics would like to thank Lowes of Bedford for donating the carpet for the changing rooms.

Lawrence County Special Olympics will start their Track and Field practices in April.

Dare to Bare team takes a plunge

“Our athletes are so excited to put Covid-19 behind them and start training,” said Branam.

The local athletes will compete at the Summer Games at Indiana State Universtity in June 2021.

In the fall, the local group will offer volleyball, softball, and corn toss.

Next winter, Lawrence County Special Olympics will have 13 teams in basketball.

Crowd cheers on the teams

The Lawrence County Special Olympics seeks community support to continue to grow, assist families and individuals to gain independence and make lifelong friendships.

For more information on Lawrence County Special Olympics, you can call 812-675-1439 or email soinlc2gmail.com.

Daniel Baker

As the organizations signature fundraiser for more than 20 years, the Polar Plunge directly benefits more than 18,000 Special Olympics athletes throughout Indiana and plays a vital role in ensuring that an ever-growing number of children and adults with intellectual disabilities continue to benefit from no-cost participation in life-changing sports, health, and leadership programs.

Mike Wood from Indiana Sate Police takes a plunge

“Looking back on a challenging year, we are tremendously proud of all we accomplished together with our athletes and incredibly grateful to the dedicated supporters who made those accomplishments possible by raising a record amount through the 2021 Polar Plunge,” said President & CEO Jeff Mohler. “We are optimistic about the future and with another successful Polar Plunge season, we are confident that Special Olympics Indiana will continue to grow and thrive. “

The Polar Plunge was traditionally held at Indiana University. The Bloomington Polar Plunge is one of 15 Polar Plunge events that will take place this year.

To learn more about the Polar Plunge visit www.PolarPlungeIN.org