Dozens of Radford University students took a dip in the icy New River on March 19 in support of Special Olympics.

The New River Polar Plunge Fest was held at Bisset Park where more than 200 people braved the water while fundraising for an important cause.

Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Polar Plunges are held throughout the Commonwealth as a fun and creative way to give back to the life-changing organization.

This year, organizers estimate $65,000 was raised at the Radford plunge, surpassing the $60,000 goal.

As a way to engage alumni and current students, the Radford University Alumni Relations and Greek Life offices as well as the City of Radford Police Department came together to create the Highlander Polar Plunge to support Special Olympics Virginia in 2010.

Now called the New River Polar Plunge Fest, the event and the partnership has grown to include more than 350 plungers and has raised more than $150,000 for Special Olympics Virginia’s programs.