Polar Bear Plunge to support Delaware Special Olympics Feb. 4
One of Delaware’s largest fundraising events, the Special Olympics Delaware Lewes Polar Bear Plunge, presented by Wawa, will kick off at 1 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 4, in Rehoboth Beach.
The plunge, celebrating its 33rd year, began in 1992 when 78 plungers raised $7,000. Last year, 3,652 bears raised more than $1 million participating in the event at Rehoboth Beach, and in virtual plunges across the state and region. Since its inception, the plunge has raised more than $15.7 million, supporting the organization’s year-round mission of providing sports training and competition along with health, education and leadership programs for more than 4,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
"The continued support of our bears to keep plunging themselves year after year and recruiting others to join them is truly amazing," said David Halley, Special Olympics Delaware president and CEO. "The support we receive from sponsors and the businesses throughout the state, and particularly in the town of Rehoboth Beach, makes this event a very attractive one for all involved. Our athletes have inspired us in so many ways, and an event of this magnitude that involves the support of so many people is a true indication of just how much respect and admiration our athletes have earned.”
Wawa is a presenting sponsor for the 18th consecutive year, and its associate volunteers will be onsite distributing free hot beverages to the chilly plungers from the Wawa Foundation’s Community Care vehicle. In addition to their support at the event, Wawa is currently accepting donations at all of its nearly 1,000 store locations through Monday, Feb. 19, with funds benefiting Special Olympics chainwide.
“Wawa and the Wawa Foundation are committed to building stronger communities and are proud to support Special Olympics at their Polar Plunge to help support thousands of athletes who train and compete year-round,” said Liz Simeone, president of the Wawa Foundation. “There’s no better feeling for our associates than volunteering their time to brighten the days of friends and neighbors in our community. We’re with you each step of the way!”
Activities scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 3, include a 5K Run to the Plunge, sand sculpting demonstration, Fire & Ice Festivities, and a Restaurant Chili Tasting contest. An Après Plunge Party is held after the plunge at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.
More information on the plunge and all weekend events can be found at plungede.org.
