Polar Bear plunge to benefit Special Olympics Delaware Feb. 3

The Special Olympics Delaware Lewes Polar Bear Plunge, presented by Wawa, is set to begin at 1 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 3, in Rehoboth Beach.

Celebrating its 28th year, the plunge began in 1992 when 78 plungers raised $7,000. Last year, 3,383 polar bears raised more than $875,000. Since its inception, the plunge has raised more than $11 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 13th consecutive year. In addition to its support at the event, leading up to and for a few weeks afterward, Wawa change coins in stores benefit Special Olympics Delaware.

“All of us at Wawa are proud to support the inspiring athletes of Special Olympics and honor the heroes who have and will continue to change the game,” said Adam Schall, Wawa senior director of store operations for Delaware. “We’ve been partnering with Special Olympics for more than a decade, and it’s exciting to be a part of their annual Polar Bear Plunge and to support all participants with free coffee and hot chocolate during the event. We are also proud to have a team of almost 100 Wawa associates plunging to show their support of Special Olympics, and we invite everyone to join them at the event this weekend!”

At the plunge, thousands will take a dip into the Atlantic Ocean, raising money for Special Olympics Delaware’s year-round program of sports training, athletic competition and related activities for more than 4,200 children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Activities for Saturday, Feb. 2, include a sandsculpting demonstration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the beach, south of Rehoboth Avenue; a fire and ice event, featuring ice cream and wing samples at the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Department from 12 to 2 p.m., while supplies last; a 5K Run to the Plunge at 1 p.m.; and a restaurant chili tasting contest from 2:30 to 5 p.m. And restaurants and retailers throughout the Rehoboth Beach area provide registered polar bears with special discounts.

For more information, go to www.plungeDE.org.