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Record number takes plunge for Special Olympics
More than 4,000 people fought off the chilly 37-degree water of the Atlantic Ocean to raise funds for the Special Olympics Delaware at the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge. DAN COOK PHOTOS
February 2, 2025
A record 4,400 people jumped into the 37-degree ocean Feb. 2, to raise more than $1.2 million for Special Olympics Delaware. The event celebrated its 34th year in 2025.
Special Olympics Delaware CEO and President David Halley welcomes the plungers and gives information about Special Olympics.
Longtime emcee of the plunge Jon Buzby welcomes attendees to the event.
The registration booth was hopping with polar bears getting their information and hoodies.
Irv Levin and his wife Phyllis have been matching donations for more than 20 years.
Pete the Sand Man and his workers put the finishing touches on their sandcastle for the event.
Lee Witt shows her spirit for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Polar Bear Plunge.
Wawa gives out free coffee and hot chocolate at the event. It has been involved with the event for more than 19 years.
Athletes Rachel Rhea and Brian Perry say “May the force be with the Polar Bear Plunge.”
The Special Olympics Sussex Riptide team poses with friends and family.
James Lauser, left, of the Ice and Spice Company made this ice sculpture with his friend Richard Stewart.
The Lewes Craft Beer Hoppy Plungers get a team picture.
The Polar Spashing Sombreros of New Castle raised more than $43,000 for the event. They raised the most of any group for the event.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteered to help keep the plungers safe.
Temple University football coach KC Keeler and his wife Janice take a stroll on the Boardwalk before the plunge.
Jamie Stephens of Georgetown poses with the Coast TV Peacock Petey.
Special Olympics athlete Connor Watson poses with Lewie P. Bear.
Bears and puppies were prevalent at the event.
Sophie Clements, 13 months, visits from South Carolina for the event.
Mel Whitley of Camden likes the utterly fine weather for the plunge.
Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, D-Rehoboth Beach, left, and her wife Mikki Snyder-Hall pose with Lewie P. Bear.
The boardwalk was crowded like the fourth of July in February.
Over 4,400 polar bears took to the Atlantic for the event.
Over 4,400 polar bears participated in the 2025 Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics.
Polar Bears ran out of the chilly water as quickly as they ran in.
Over 4,400 polar bears rushed into the chilly water for the 2025 Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics.
The Happy Seagulls are in back (l-r) Krista Kulp, Levi Gieske, Alyssa Cherawaty, Rick Kulp, Kandiss Schrader, Lloyd Green, Jenni Fine, Laura Gieske, Cyndi Serfass and Gary Serfass. Down in front are Dane Schrader and Bradley Gieske.
