February 5, 2009

Police chief to take Polar Plunge for Special Olympics

The organization's annual Polar Plunge fundraiser will be at 10:30 a.m. that Saturday outside the north end of Ross-Ade Stadium. A large backyard-type pool will be in place so Cox and others can enjoy "Freezin' for a Reason" -- which is an event slogan.

Capt. Tim Potts, one of a number of Purdue police officers who have participated in Special Olympics plunges, torch runs and other supportive efforts for more than a decade, said he asked Cox to plunge and shave his head. Potts got one yes and one no.

"John is excited about it," Potts said. As for the long-term participation of department members, Potts says, "What Special Olympics offers to all athletes is what drives us to become involved."

The department was nearing its $500 donation goal to support Cox. Potts encourages others to opt for a plunge and gather donations. The minimum to qualify for a plunge is $75.
One other plunge participant this year will be Potts' 12-year-old daughter.

The event is also a social one celebrating supporters and Special Olympics athletes. Registration will run 8:30-10 a.m., and the "After Splash Bash" will follow the plunge in Ross-Ade Pavilion.

To view Cox's participant Web page and/or make a donation in his name, go to www.firstgiving.com/johncox1.

To become a participant or learn more about Special Olympics and its projects, go to www.soindiana.org. At least 10 Polar Plunge events are scheduled around Indiana from Jan. 31 to Feb. 28.

To learn more about the local Polar Plunge, contact Potts at 49-48221 or tapotts@purdue.edu.

In its Polar Plunge event brochure, Special Olympics Indiana says this about itself: "Special Olympics Indiana is a not-for-profit organization that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in over 20 Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, reaching nearly 10,000 athletes across Indiana. The organization receives no federal- or state-appropriated funds, is not a United Way agency and relies entirely on corporate, civic and individual donations."