HSU Insider

Jump into Cold Water for a Cause?

• By Janlyn Echols Thaxton
• Posted January 8, 2010 2:48 PM
• 0 Comments

One HSU Instructor Doesn't Care How Cold It Is! Hardin-Simmons University instructor of sport sciences, Corrie Reed, says she's a little worried about the success of the first-ever Polar Bear Plunge to help raise money for Special Olympics.

This Saturday, November 7th, the Polar Bear Plunge will happen in the very chilly waters of the Brand Swimming Pool on the HSU campus.

"Plunge" is a fund raising activity for the local Special Olympics program. Individuals and teams can help raise money by diving into the pool or by choosing not to plunge and paying to stay under the warm heaters while watching crazier individuals jump, dive, or just fall into the chilly waters for the cause.

This is Corrie Reed's sixth year to work with Special Olympics. Reed is certified as a Special Olympics coach in basketball, athletics, golf, and bocce. Reed has also been certified as a unified partner in athletics which brings Special Olympians together with able-bodied individuals in competition as a team.

The Hardin-Simmons instructor also works as the Area 14 volunteer coordinator for Special Olympic competitions. This summer she served on the volunteer wwards committee for the state of Texas.

When Reed graduated with her master's degree, she accepted a position with the city of Abilene working in the adapted recreation department. As part of the job she says, "Employees were required to be certified as Special Olympics coaches and to actually train and work with athletes for competitions."

Now, as an instructor at HSU, she recruits and trains students to work with the athletes on the day of the competitions. "This has been a neat experience," says Reed, "to watch my students work with my former athletes."

As far as the "Plunge" goes, Reed says cold water temperature don't really bother her, "I have been immersed in water of all temperatures. I have done training in the middle of the winter as well as in the summer."

So far Reed has gotten only a handful of donations and is getting seriously worried about the first-time fundraiser. While the Brand swimming pool is heated, Reed says the heaters have been turned off in hopes that the water will cool down for a really cold plunge.

Reed is crossing her fingers that the donations will pick up some steam. If you would like to help in herquest for dollars to help Special Olympians, Reed has a web site at: http://www.firstgiving.com/corriereed.

As for anyone wanting to take the plunge, contact Beth Bye (SOTX Area 14-Director) at 677-3200 for more information or log on to www.firstgiving.com/sotx to create an individual or team donations page.

The Polar Bear Plunge will take place this Saturday at the HSU Brand Swimming Pool from noon to 3:00 p.m. There are about 10 participants as of today. Reed says the Dallas area Polar Bear Plunge brings in about 60 people who don't mind taking the plunge.