Following the postponement of the February Plunge, it’s time to mark your calendars for Sunday, March 1, at 1:00 p.m., as one of Delaware’s most celebrated fundraising events — the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge Benefiting Special Olympics Delaware, presented by Wawa — takes center stage at Rehoboth Beach.
Celebrating its 35th year, the plunge began humbly in 1992 with 78 participants raising $7,000. Fast forward to last year, when 4,416 Bears raised over $1.2 million through in-person and virtual plunges. To date, the event has generated more than $18.4 million to support Special Olympics Delaware’s mission, which includes sports training, competition, health initiatives, education, and leadership programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Fundraiser events, like the Plunge, allow Special Olympics Delaware to provide this mission completely FREE of charge to our athletes.
“For 35 years, the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge has united thousands in a shared mission of inclusion,” said David Halley, President & CEO of Special Olympics Delaware. “Every person who plunges, donates, or cheers is part of a legacy that empowers thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities in Delaware to achieve their dreams.”
Wawa returns for its 20th consecutive year as presenting sponsor, with its associates providing free hot beverages to plungers from Wawa’s Community Care vehicle. Additionally, Wawa stores across the chain are collecting donations through March 1 to benefit Special Olympics.
“Wawa and The Wawa Foundation are committed to building stronger communities and are proud to support Special Olympics Delaware at their Polar Plunge to help support thousands of athletes who train and compete year-round,” said Liz Simeone, President of The Wawa Foundation. “Wawa Associates take great pride in fulfilling lives in our stores and out in their communities”
We are happy to announce that all Plunge weekend festivities are still happening, including:
- Saturday: A 5k Run to the Plunge, sand sculpting demonstration, Fire & Ice Festivities, and the Restaurant Chili Tasting contest.
- Sunday: Ice sculpting demonstration, sand sculpting demonstration, Polar Bear Plunge, Après Plunge Party at the Convention Center immediately following the plunge.
Dive into the excitement, community, and impact of the Polar Bear Plunge! For more information about the plunge, weekend events, or to register, visit www.plungeDE.org or download the event app by searching for SODE Hub in your app store.
Registration for the Plunge is available through the day of the Plunge. Registration fees will increase Wednesday, February 25th.
