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Posted: 2/27/14

TAMIU Students ‘Going Polar’ March 7 for Special Olympics Benefit

 

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A group of Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) students are readying to take a  chilling plunge that’s freezin’ for a reason.

They are participants in the Special Olympics Polar Plunge, scheduled Friday, March 7 at 10 a.m. at the Inner City Pool, 202 West Plum Street.  The event is a fundraiser for Special Olympics Texas-Laredo and monies raised provide year-round sports training and competitions for  1,409 Special Olympics athletes here.

Students and team members include Marla Alanis, Celina Benavides, Nydia Benavides, José Castillo, Fernanda Chavez, Sandra Domínquez, Leonel Garza, Carolina Gomez, José González, Wayo González, Briana Gutíerrez, Marlene Gutíerrez, Paola Herrera, Trevor Liddle, Dallas Lopez, Marleen Mar, Carlos Mar, Nora Patricia Ruiz, Yahaira Salazar-Maldonado, Priscilla Salazar, Robert Stockett and Elizabeth Soto.

Dr. Randel Brown, TAMIU associate professor and chair, department of professional programs, is a long-time Special Olympics volunteer who annually encourages TAMIU students in efforts supporting Special Olympics.

“For the last several years, the students in our special education classes and communication disorders program have been recognized by Special Olympics of Texas for stellar participation as volunteers at fall and spring Special Olympics games, and for two years running, our students have won first prize for raising the most money at the Polar Plunge event for Special Olympics,” Dr. Brown said.

He recalls last year’s event clearly…and with good reason.

“The first year a student did the actual jump in cold water and last year they talked me into jumping,!” he remembered.

He noted that the first year the students collected over $1,200 dollars and last year’s collection came close to $1,500.  This year, the students’ goal is $2,000, which must be raised by sponsor donations.

“I don’t permit students to dig into their own pockets to fund this.  I know they are on a tight budget and encourage them to actively share their goal and the vision of Special Olympics with others who can participate through donations of any size.  Of course, we plan to maintain our First Prize legacy, ” he explained.

Brown said he hopes to expand the effort to other members of the TAMIU student community, which includes some 70-plus student clubs and organizations that share broad community service commitments.  He envisions over 200 TAMIU volunteers working at the upcoming Special Olympics Spring games taking place April 29, 30 and May 1.

Sponsors and TAMIU students wanting to join the effort can contact Dr. Brown at brown@tamiu.edu

Information about the Special Olympics Polar Plunge and the Special Olympic Spring Games can be secured by contacting Maribel Santoya-Maciel at msantoya-maciel@sotx.org or by calling 956.712.2144.


Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu