Murray State’s second annual Campus Plunge next month brings together students and faculty together for a worthy cause; Special Olympics in Kentucky. The event, held at MSU’s quad next to Pogue Library, invites participants to get dunked in a pool of ice-cold water.
MSU Associate Professor of English Squire Babcock speaks with Tracy Ross on what the event means for the 140 athletes participating in western Kentucky.
Babcock says last year’s event, hosted by the AGR fraternity, found great success. He hopes bringing it to Murray State’s campus will take it one step further.
“We’re looking forward to raising a lot of money for Special Olympics this year,” Babcock said.
Participants can form teams based on how much money they’ve raised; Babcock says $40 for each team member earns a dunk. Alternatively, students can sponsor a willing MSU faculty member for $250 to take the plunge.
Babcock says at the end of the day, it’s all about the athletes.
“For me, there’s very little that’s more powerful than to see people who were born without the abilities that most of us have get to more or less be normal and complete a race at their own pace. “ Babcock said. “The smiles that happen at the finish line are incredibly moving.”
This year’s Campus Plunge kicks off November 12th with registration at 7 P.M. followed by the main event at 8:30. For more information or to form a team, contact Western Kentucky Special Olympics Regional Director Laura Miller at lmiller@soky.org.
