Pirates prepare for 23rd annual Polar Bear Plunge
The 23rd annual Polar Bear Plunge is set for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 17 at the East Carolina University Student Recreation Center.
All ECU students, faculty and staff are invited to jump into the icy waters of the center’s outdoor pool. The first 800 jumpers will receive a free event T-shirt and a certificate. Jumpers can also sign the large Polar Bear Plunge banner and be entered into drawings for prizes, including a 3-foot-tall stuffed polar bear donated by Coca-Cola.
Registration begins at 6 p.m. and all jumpers must present their ECU 1Card, bring a swimsuit and fill out a waiver before jumping in the pool. The waiver can be downloaded at www.ecu.edu/polarbear. Participants should also bring their own towels.
As part of the grand opening of the Student Recreation Center in 1997, 35 participants took the inaugural plunge. In 2018, nearly 700 plungers participated in the event. The record for total jumpers was set in 2013 with 1,094 hitting the water.
After the event, participants can enjoy refreshments and entertainment and attend the ECU Student Involvement Fair, which showcases many of ECU’s 475-plus student organizations. Polar Bear Plunge sponsors include Campus Recreation and Wellness, Student Involvement and Leadership, Campus Living, Dining Services, Residence Hall Association, 33 East Apartments, and the Bellamy.
What: Polar Bear Plunge
When: 6:30 p.m., Jan. 17; registration starts at 6 p.m.
Where: ECU Student Recreation Center
Who: ECU students, faculty and staff are invited to participate
MEDIA NOTE – Media parking is available behind the center’s outdoor pool. For special requests related to live coverage, contact Jon Wall, Polar Bear Plunge event coordinator, at 252-328-1565 or walljo@ecu.edu.
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ECU News Services
Howard House, 1001 E. Fifth Street
Greenville, NC 27858
ecunews@ecu.edu
Phone: 252-328-6481
news.ecu.edu
Contact: Jon Wall, Polar Bear Plunge event coordinator, walljo@ecu.edu
Phone: 252-328-1565
Event Date: Jan. 17, 2019