By Ayah Hassan, Staff Writer
Imagine standing at the edge of the water in your bathing suit, the crisp winter air blowing on your skin as you prepare to plunge into the icy-cold depths of the Chesapeake. This is exactly what thousands of people did on Friday, January 21. The Polar Plunge is a charity event that has taken place annually for 28 years. The purpose of it is to raise money for the Special Olympics, an international organization that provides year-round sports training and competition for individuals with neurological disabilities.
Over the years, the number of participants in this event has increased exponentially. In the early 2000s, participation was smaller, attracting only a few hundred participants. As the event increased in popularity and was advertised across media, participation has multiplied. In recent years, major plunges in the United States and Canada now host over 10,000 people, enabling the organization to raise much more money than it did when it first began.
Each participant contributes 100 dollars, which is all donated. This year, the organization’s goal is to raise 4.75 million dollars in total, and has raised almost 4.5 million dollars so far. All of the money raised directly contributes to funding coaching, travel expenses, and competition fees.
Although jumping into icy water is not particularly fun, knowing that it’s for a good cause motivates many to participate. Some have friends and family members that they plunge for, and some do it to help the cause.
Senior Sara Khan plans to participate in the plunge this year. “This is my first time,” she explains. Sara comments on the enthusiasm at the event, saying, “Everyone was very hyped and the energy was intoxicating” but that she really had “no idea what to expect” until she got there. Although the actual act of plunging into the water was difficult, Sara reported that she had a positive experience. The heated lounge and large tents to change out of their wet clothes definitely helped make it more bearable. “I would definitely participate again,” she exclaims.
There are four different teams who plunge. The first team; Cool Schools, is made up of students, teachers, and administrative staff. The next is Corporate Plunge, made up of employees of the same company. The third is called the Maryland Plunge, which is open to the general public. Last but not least is the Police Plunge. This team consists of law enforcement officers and first responders. “I intern at Shock Trauma, so my mentor puts together this team every year that plunges to raise money for the Special Olympics,” Sara remarks. She was first introduced to the event by organizers at her internship, who emphasized its impact on the Special Olympics and the community. Hearing about the cause and seeing the enthusiasm of those involved inspired her to take part.
Although there are four main teams, each team is composed of many smaller groups. Sara explains that she is “part of a team called Therapeutic Hypothermia.” This team includes “shock trauma workers and troopers that go to the hospital”.
The Polar Plunge is more than just a daring leap into freezing waters—it’s a powerful demonstration of community and compassion. Year after year, thousands of participants brave the cold to support the Special Olympics and how it makes a positive impact on our community. “It felt like a big family all doing something crazy for a good cause and I was glad to be a part of it,” Sara emphasized. The event’s continued growth reflects not only its increasing popularity but also the dedication of those who believe in its mission. Whether they plunge in honor of a loved one, as part of a workplace team, or simply to support a good cause, each participant plays a role in making a difference.