Seven Valley Forge Christian College students braved the cold, Saturday, February 23, to take part in the 5th Annual Eastern Pennsylvania Polar Bear Plunge at Neshaminy State Park in Bensalem, Pa. A first time event for VFCC, students raised over $475 through charitable donations and sponsors to benefit the Pennsylvania Special Olympics.

The Polar Plunge is a unique opportunity for individuals, organizations and businesses to support local Special Olympics athletes by jumping or running into icy cold waters. This is the state’s largest year-round organization devoted to sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Amanda Gauthier, VFCC Sports Information Director and Student-Athletic Advisory Committee Advisor, was happy to see this newly formed committee plan the event and raise funds for a great cause. “The main purpose of this event was to raise money and participate in a nationwide organization that touches so many lives,” Gauthier said. “This was the first in many steps to get more involved with the Special Olympics. This event helped students step out of their comfort zone, with absolutely no benefit to themselves or the school. Everything they did and all the money that they raised went completely to funding the Special Olympics and getting connected with the community.” 

This year's Polar Plunge event marked the first time the VFCC Office of Athletic's team of students participated but it certainly won't be the last. Gauthier stated, “We wanted to bring a better awareness of the Special Olympics to the College and start paving the path for a partnership with Special Olympics of Eastern Pennsylvania and VFCC!”