A new type of plunge

A new type of plunge

specialolympicspa.org

Julie Chenot, Writer
February 21, 2021

To Join the team:

                 First sign up with us: 

  1. Complete this sign up form : BRRtual Polar Plunge Sign Up Form Link here to sign up form 

 

Then “officially” sign up 

  1.   Go to our Norwin High School team page
  1.   Click on “Join team”
  2.   Scroll to the bottom to select: “Athlete Burrr-tual Plunger (SOPA Athlete Participants).”
  3.   Toggle the number so that it says “1” then selecting “Pop” to continue.
  • Your registration fee is waived, the PMBC will be sponsoring all PMBC participants.
  1.   There are a few questions, including your 2021 Polar Pop T-shirt size, which they’ll send to you,
  2.   On next webpage- view to the right side of page- click on “Athlete Burr-tual Plunger (SOPA Athlete Participant)
  3.   On next webpage- fill in the information

                              Company Name is Norwin High School

                              Plunge- Pittsburgh Plunge

  1.   Bottom of page – click  “Skip Donation” 
  •                 *If doesn’t right away go to another webpage- your name is on the right under Athlete Burr-tual Plunger-   Click on your name and you need to again fill out info and save or submit at bottom of the page- that’s it- you are signed in and a member of the team. 

 Doing the Polar Pop 

****Last thing-Complete a short video with someone popping a water balloon over your head, at home between Feb 1-21st on your own time. Look below on details for the video entry!

Ready…Set…POP!

  •       Review the below Polar Pop Checklist and more information about how to Pop!
  •       #1: Find Your Perfect Pop Location
  •       This is where you will do the pop! Make sure it’s outside or somewhere where you can easily clean up a water mess.
  •       #2: Get Your Items and Have Someone Film You
  •       Fill your water balloon and grab a person to take a video or photo of you getting wet! Have a towel handy. If you like, hold up an “I Plunge For” sign.
  •       #3: Do the POP!!!
  •       Pop that water balloon! You or a family member or a friend pops it over your head. Before or after the balloon has been popped be sure to tell the camera why you are doing the Polar Pop! And use the opportunity to challenge any family members or friends to donate to your fundraising page.
  •       #4: Share Your Pop!
  •       Share your video/photo to your social media pages (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter) and tag any others you are challenging! Don’t forget to use #FreezinForAReason #PAPolarPop

·        If you would like to be included in the Polar Pop Plunge Celebration, upload your video/photos here no later than Feb 21st.

    

 The Pittsburgh Polar plunge takes place every winter, raising money for Special Olympics.  The Polar Plunge is a fundraising event where individuals pledge money for a chance to jump into icy cold water in the freezing winter weather.  

      This year’s plunge has been rebranded to the Polar Pop, due to the coronavirus pandemic.  This year, instead of jumping into cold water, participants will take a video of themselves popping a cold water balloon over their head and then challenging 5other people.  

      The plunge has been taking place since the 1920s.  Norwin High School’s Peer Mentor and Buddy Club has been participating in the Polar Plunge for years.

     “The students will miss getting together for the Polar Plunge event,” said Mrs. King, co-sponsor of the Peer Mentor and Buddy Club.  “It is always fun to cheer each other on as participants jump into the cold water.”  

     Members of Norwin’s Peer Mentor and Buddy Club usually get the opportunity to travel to Heinz Field for the plunge and raise money by having bake sales.  This year, students have elected to donate their own money and have the opportunity to participate in the polar pop.

     “We will miss the fundraising and chance to visit with friends” said King.  

     The Polar Plunge is a beloved event that typically draws participants from schools all over the Pittsburgh area.  Many students look forward to it all year long.  

      “One of my favorite things about the Polar Plunge is that you do it as a group,” said junior Mary Kochis, who has participated in the plunge for multiple years.  “When you jump into the water you can jump with a bunch of other people.  It makes it a lot less scary and way more fun.”

     The Polar Plunge is more than a fundraising event, it’s a chance for students to spend time together. 

    “Going to Pittsburgh on a bus is always fun because we sing songs together and have a good time,” said Kochis.

     Even though this year’s Polar Plunge has been moved to a completely virtual format, it has still drawn the same enthusiastic participants.  Local celebrities have been posting their own Polar Pop videos, including football stars, senators, coaches, reporters, and more have been taking on the pop.

       It will still be dearly missed this year, with hopes of returning to the normal format again next year.       

     “The events provide a sense of unity and connectedness between students,” said King.

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