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Posted: 3/05/15

TAMIU Students ‘Freezin’ for a Reason’ Tomorrow

 

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Just before Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) students head off to Spring Break, some will be taking a special “plunge.”

Over 120 TAMIIU students will participate in Friday’s Polar Plunge at 10:00 a.m. at the City of Laredo Parks & Leisure Inner City Pool located at 202 West Plum. 

The annual event benefits the athletes and programs of Special Olympics Texas (SOTX).

TAMIU College of Education professor Randel Brown leads the annual charge for the event.  At Friday’s event, he will join his students, along with other TAMIU faculty members and administrators.

Last year, TAMIU was selected for the Outstanding Service Award from a Civic or Service Organization for South Texas, raising over $3,000 and were recognized at a Banquet in College Station.

 “I’m very proud of what our students have done,” Dr. Brown said, “Last year, we were nominated by our local Area 21 Special Olympics office. There were over 140 nominations in this competition and our students were selected at the top. We are hoping to repeat or exceed this honor this year,” Dr. Brown said.

“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 more than 200 TAMIU volunteers working at the upcoming Special Olympics Spring games taking place in April.

“If you would like to support us with a donation you can you can find our Team page here: http://sotx.convio.net/site/TR/Events/General?px=1170845&pg=personal&fr_id=1870.  Online donations are easy and tax deductible. Thanks for supporting our TAMIU students in this effort to make a BIG SPLASH at the Polar Plunge,” said Brown.

Over the last 17 years, the University has provided numerous volunteers and fundraising support for SOTX in the Laredo area. TAMIU professors encourage students to give back to the athletes in the community by embracing their talents and showing support through volunteer hours.

SOTX is a privately funded, non-profit organization that changes lives through the power of sport by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect.

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

For more information, contact the TAMIU Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 956.326.2180, email prmis@tamiu.edu or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 268.


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