Freezin' for a Reason

As we did last year, members of the Red Hawks Cycling team and I will be jumping into the frigid and murky waters of Lake Winnebago this February. This year, we've challenged College President David Joyce to join us for the 2011 Polar Plunge in Oshkosh, Wis. Joyce has agreed to participate as part of the event's "Toss Your Boss" event Friday, Feb. 18. Joyce will take the plunge if the team raises at least $1,500 to support Special Olympics of Wisconsin. So we need your support!

Last year Ripon cyclists Andy Fehrenbach, Paul Meuer, Eric Smith and Head Coach Ric Damm joined nearly 2,000 participants who jumped into Lake Winnebago at Millers Bay near Menominee Park in Oshkosh.

This year's Oshkosh event is one of 12 throughout the state being organized to raise funds for Special Olympics. According to the Special Olympics Wisconsin Web site, money raised through the Polar Plunge provides funding for nearly 10,000 athletes with cognitive disabilities.

Special Olympics Wisconsin is a statewide organization providing persons with cognitive disabilities year-round sports training and competition. Individuals who are at least eight years old and are identified as having a cognitive disability are eligible for participation. With seven Area offices throughout the state, Special Olympics Wisconsin serves nearly 10,000 athletes in nearly 189 communities statewide. Special Olympics Wisconsin is one of the 50 state programs and one of nearly 200 countries providing this opportunity to more than one million athletes worldwide.

Donations to Special Olympics Wisconsin on behalf of the Ripon cycling team can be made via our pledge site. Checks made payable to "Special Olympics Wisconsin" also can be sent to Ric Damm at Ripon College, PO Box 248, Ripon WI 54971-0248. For more information, e-mail dammr@ripon.edu.