Polar Bear Plunge at Maxcy Gregg Pool to benefit Special Olympics South Carolina

Dozens of University of South Carolina students and staff will be taking the plunge today, and they want everyone to join them.

The Gamecock Polar Plunge happens Thursday afternoon at Maxcy Gregg pool, to raise money for Special Olympics South Carolina.

It’s one of several events sponsored but the Law Enforcement Torch Run, a group of officers throughout the Palmetto state who raise money for Special Olympics throughout the year with various events.

The polar plunges kick off their year-long endeavor.

This is the third year USC has had a polar plunge.

“We wanted to get students involved,” says Lt. Teena Gooding of the USC Police Department.

Registration for the polar plunge begins at 5 p.m., with the jump scheduled for 6 p.m. There will be DJ, prizes for coolest costume and top fundraisers and refreshments, including hot chocolate after.

It costs a $25 donation to participate. All money raised goes directly to Special Olympic athletes.

It’s a really “cool” way to support these special athletes.

“It’s what we do for a great cause,” says Leigh Lowery, Director of Communications for Special Olympics South Carolina.

“Each year it’s grown. It’s not just for the USC population, but for anyone in the Columbia area who wants to plunge.”

Among the plungers will be Gooding and 10 of her fellow USC police officers. She’s prepared for a chilly afternoon.

“I want it to be cold,” Gooding says. “That’s the point.”

Maxcy Gregg Pool is located at 1651 Park Circle near the USC campus. Anyone who would like to make a donation can do so online at https://www.firstgiving.com/so-sc/2016-usc-polar-plunge.

This story was originally published February 24, 2016 at 11:48 AM.