Special Olympics Delaware Polar Bear Plunge set Feb. 7 in Rehoboth Beach
The Special Olympics Delaware Polar Bear Plunge presented by Wawa will celebrate its 25th anniversary Sunday, Feb. 7, in Rehoboth Beach. The plunge takes place at 1 p.m., and there are many activities Saturday, Feb. 6.
The Plunge began in 1992 when 78 plungers raised $7,000. Last year, 3,325 Bears raised more than $780,000. Since its inception, the plunge has raised more than $8.3 million.
“Our polar bears continue to support this fabulous event year after year,” said Ann Grunert, executive director of Special Olympics Delaware. “And they also continue to recruit their friends to join them. This event truly is family-friendly, and the perfect way to give back to the community and support such a worthy cause.”
Wawa is the presenting sponsor for the 10th consecutive year, and in addition to their financial support, their Community Care Coffee vehicle offers free hot coffee and hot chocolate at the plunge.
“It is our privilege to provide warmth to the brave, chilly plungers with Wawa hot beverages who are showing their support for such an important cause. We are proud to be a sponsor of Special Olympics,” said John Sharpless, director of store operations for Delaware Wawa Stores.
At the event, thousands of Bears will take the chilly dip into the Atlantic Ocean, raising money for Special Olympics Delaware’s year-round program of sports training, athletic competition and related programs for over 3,700 children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Rehoboth Beach hosts a weekend-long Plunge Festival (Feb. 5-7) that includes several Saturday activities: Fire & Ice Event at the Rehoboth Beach Fire Department (noon to 3 p.m.); 5k Run to the Plunge (1 p.m.); restaurant chili contest (2:30 to 5 p.m.); and ice-sculpting contest (10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.).
Restaurants and retailers throughout the Rehoboth Beach area have teamed up with Special Olympics Delaware to provide registered “Bears” with special discounts and activities throughout the weekend.
More information on the Plunge and all weekend events can be found at www.plungeDE.org.
