The 2025 Gamecock Polar Plunge, presented by Campus Recreation, in partnership with USC Law Enforcement and Law Enforcement Torch Run was hosted on Jan. 28, at Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center outdoor pool. Participants took a chilly dip for a great cause – benefitting Special Olympics South Carolina.
Twenty-seven teams raised over $12,000 to support Special Olympics athletes, proudly exceeding their intended goal. 100% of the funds raised directly benefit athlete programs in South Carolina, by creating more opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities – at no cost to themselves or their families.

Mike Sill, Law Enforcement Torch Run Liaison with Special Olympics South Carolina said, “This was an exciting and successful partnership with USC Campus Recreation, USC Police and Special Olympics. The event was well organized, well attended and completely met the mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics to raise funds and awareness for thousands of athletes.”
At its heart, this fundraising event is what Student Affairs at the University of South Carolina is all about – community and fostering a sense of belonging. Gamecocks from all ages and backgrounds, including Satchel Ford Elementary School, Lexington 4 Early Childhood Center, Meadowfield Elementary School PTO, South Carolina Bureau of Protective Services, along with many USC campus partners came together to support a local and nationally recognized non-profit.
“We are thrilled to support Special Olympics South Carolina with this donation,” said Quashon Johnson, Outreach and Engagement Coordinator with Campus Recreation. We as a Campus Recreation staff are so very thankful to USCPD & Torch Run for allowing us to bring such a meaningful initiative and fun event back to campus. This partnership highlights USC’s commitment to the community and the incredible impact our students, faculty, staff, and fellow Gamecocks can make. Our hope is to continue this event, providing Gamecocks with another opportunity to give back and make a lasting difference both in our community and across the state.”
The Gamecock Polar Plunge had previously been hosted at an off-campus venue. Bringing the event to campus allowed for more student organization and campus partner participation in a familiar environment. Leading the way, the Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity raised over $1,600 through 49 donations. Additional campus partners, including USC Police, Unified Gamecocks, a Special Olympics student organization and USC SEED RHUU (Safely Engaging in Expression Delegates, Russell House University Union) were among top donors to the event.
Campus Recreation and its partners look forward to hosting another event in January 2026.