Michigan Athletics and Special Olympics
The Partnership
In the fall of 2012, the University of Michigan Athletic Department announced a department-wide community service relationship with the Special Olympics of Michigan, committing team member and venue support to the non-profit organization. U-M Athletics will work with the Special Olympics on local and regional events throughout southeastern Michigan during the 2013 calendar year.
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic type sports for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Polar Plunge
The kickoff event of this partnership will be the Polar Plunge on Saturday, Feb. 23, at Michigan Stadium. The Polar Plunge is known for its wacky costume contest where plungers will compete for awards that range from best to worst costume, most creative, craziest, best Michigan theme and many more.
• Michigan Athletics has set two goals for the 2013 Polar Plunge: have 350 Polar Plungers and raise $100,000 for Special Olympics.
• Hall of Fame coach Lloyd Carr and U-M football coach Brady Hoke are among the celebrity judges scheduled to appear at the plunge.
• To donate $10 to the University of Michigan Polar Plunge, text "SOMI UofM" to 52000 on your cell phone.
Polar Plunge Schedule of Events:
• Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. outside of the tunnel.
• The Parade of Costumes will take place down the tunnel and onto the field.
• Plunge will begin at noon in the Big House.
• Post plunge party/awards immediately following the last plunger.
2013 Special Olympics Events
| Feb. 23 -- Polar Plunge at Michigan Stadium |
May 14 -- Spring Games at Saline High School |
| March 2 -- District Hoops Tourney at Saline High School |
July 18 -- Golf at Pine View Golf Course in Ypsilanti |
| April 26 -- Area Bowling Tourney at Colonial Lanes |
July 19 -- Softball Tourney at Canton Softball Complex |
In the News
• 2/20/2013 - Men's Basketball Staff Takes Plunge for Special Olympics 
• 2/21/2013 - Brandon's Blog: A Chilling Experience at Michigan Stadium
• 2/20/2013 - Big House Set to Host Polar Plunge on Saturday
• 2/15/2013 - MGoBlue.com Auction to Benefit Special Olympics of Michigan
• 1/25/2013 - Michigan Announces Prizes, Celebrity Judges for Polar Plunge
• 12/13/2012 - Michigan Announces Plans for Polar Plunge Benefiting Special Olympics
• 11/29/2012 - Michigan Announces Partnership with Special Olympics
Special Olympics Quick Facts
• The Special Olympics serves more than four million athletes in 229 accredited programs in 170 countries worldwide.
• Special Olympics programs are provided at no cost to athletes and their families.
• In the state of Michigan there are more than 20,000 athletes, with more than 700 living in Washtenaw County.
• Special Olympics is for children and adults. The average age of Special Olympics athletes in Michigan is 27.
• There are 12 state-level competitions and more than 450 local and regional competitions in Michigan.
• The first Polar Plunge was held in Saginaw in 2000, raising nearly $10,000.
• The Polar Plunge at Michigan Stadium, one of 28 held around the state, will be a major fundraiser for the Special Olympics.
