TEAM BUILDING TIPS

1. Begin with a Kickoff Event and distribute all the instruction, materials and motivation you need to organize a large team of plungers.
2. Register your team by calling 757.687.8183 or emailing plunge@specialolympicsva.org.
3. Set plunger and fundraising goals and develop a plan to recruit plungers. Think about people who might participate in the Polar Plunge if you asked them. Target people like:
   • Family members and friends
   • Your child's school and classmates
   • You or your spouse's co-workers
4. Promote the Polar Plunge. Talk and/or write to these people about the plunge and why you think it is important to support Special Olympics Virginia’s efforts to provide year round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with mental disabilities. Don't just ask people to join your team; make sure they know why you want them to join you and what it is that you want them to do.
5. Set a positive example. Be the first to sign up for your team and make sure that those people closest to you (your spouse, children, grandparents, brothers and sisters, closest friends, etc.) are registered as well.
6. Make sure that you know who is on your team. Encourage all of your team members to register. Have them call, email or complete and send in the registration form.
7. Stay in touch with your local Special Olympics Virginia staff. Call and ask questions about the plunge and the teambuilding/plunge recruitment/plunge fundraising process if there is anything that you don't understand about it. Check regularly for new and updated information on the Polar Plunge website (www.polarplunge.com).
8. Finally, stress the importance of fundraising to your team plungers throughout the entire pre-plunge period. Remember the purpose of this plunge is very simple: To raise as much money as possible so that Special Olympics Virginia can fund, promote and support year round sports training and athletic competition for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities.