Jean Georges
Features Writer

Call them crazy, but some people don’t think twice about taking a swim in frosty waters in the middle of winter. However, this adventurous bunch may prefer a different label, especially if on a mission. Millersville’s Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity is on a mission of support and integrity as they take part in the annual Polar Plunge for Special Olympics fundraising event at Harrisburg’s City Island on Saturday, February 22.

Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity members have raised over $1,000 fundraising for the Special Olympics.
Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity members have raised over $1,000 fundraising for the Special Olympics.

Postponed from the earlier date of February 1 because of ice buildup on the Susquehanna River, the Polar Plunge is going ahead full throttle with the brothers of Sigma Tau Gamma at the helm the fourth Saturday of this month.
“We are still planning to take the plunge and hopefully when we do there won’t be as much ice. So far our team, made up of alumni and actives, we have raised over $1,000. That is a great amount and well over our original goal,” says Christopher Junkin, president of Sigma Tau Gamma.
Polar Plunge has become an increasingly popular fundraising tradition for the city of Harrisburg, with estimates of 1,000 plungers last year raising money for Special Olympics. This year Sigma Tau Gamma will join the ranks of other brave participants showing support for the organization by taking their maiden plunge into the frigid river.
“I am beyond excited to participate and help out a great cause, all while having fun at the same time—even though it will be really cold,” says Junkin.
Junkin adds, “One of our alumni participated last year, but this will be the first year the active chapter will participate. The event will help fund Special Olympic programs, raise community awareness of the organization, and show that Greek life likes to be involved in positive events that support a great cause.”
Sigma Tau Gamma’s principles are value, learning, leadership, excellence, benefit, and integrity. Special Olympics, which provides sports training and competition to adults and children with intellectual disabilities, is the national philanthropy of the fraternity and represents the main focus of their fundraising efforts.
Polar Plunge 2014 Schedule
Friday, February 21, 2014 Friday, February 21, 2014
4 – 9 p.m. – Pre-Plunge Warm Up Registration Party at the Capital Area
Intermediate Unit (CAUI) 55 Miller St., Summerdale, Pa. 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Pre-Plunge Warm Up Registration Party at the Capital Area Intermediate
Unit (CAUI)
Saturday, February 22, 2014 Saturday, February 22, 2014
8- 9:30 a.m. – Iglooville Setup
8:30 – 10:30 a.m. – Bus Shuttle service from parking to Plunge area
9:30 a.m. – Registration Starts
10 a.m. – Chillville & Concessionville
10:30 a.m. – Costume Contest Registration
10:30 – 11a.m. – Costume Contest Judging & Chicken Plungers “Chicken Dance”
12 noon – “Take the Plunge”!!!
Polar Plunge offers incentives, awards prizes and even has a registration for Chicken
Plungers, those participants who don’t want to go in the water.
For more information about Polar Plunge at City Island and to register, visit http://www.sopam.org/polar_bear_plunge.aspx.