The colony flocked to Virginia Beach this weekend for the 2025 Polar Plunge and boy did they make waves! A record-breaking 4,151 plungers, runners and cool schoolers raised an incredible $1.7 million (and counting!) for Special Olympics Virginia. Once again, plungers proved that when it comes to supporting inclusion, courage knows no temperature.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Feb. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The colony flocked to Virginia Beach this weekend for the 2025 Polar Plunge and boy did they make waves! A record-breaking 4,151 plungers, runners and cool schoolers raised an incredible $1.7 million (and counting!) for Special Olympics Virginia. Once again, plungers proved that when it comes to supporting inclusion, courage knows no temperature.

"The Polar Plunge is more than an event – it's a movement fueled by bravery, inclusion and pure joy," said Special Olympics Virginia President & CEO David Thomason. "Every splash, every dollar raised, helps us build a world where differences are celebrated, and everyone belongs. To all our plungers, partners and supporters – thank you for making waves of change with us this year!"

Highlights from the Coolest Weekend of the Year:

• Photos from the Weekend

Top Fundraising Stars:

• Ice Kings & Queens: Team Ice-aholics raised an impressive $84,613 snagging the top team fundraising award.

This year's festival was presented by The Wawa Foundation, Virginia Natural Gas, WTKR News 3, 106.9 the FOX, FM99, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Virginia, Virginia Tourism Corporation, the Virginia Knights of Columbus and other cool partners. Since 1993, Polar Plunge events have raised more than $22.8 million for Special Olympics Virginia, proving that a little chill can lead to a whole lot of change.

Missed out on the fun in Virginia Beach? Don't worry – you can still make a splash! Join us at our final two upcoming plunges: Leesylvania State Park Feb. 15 and the New River Valley March 1. Visit http://www.polarplunge.com to register or donate.

For more information or media inquiries, contact Sean Wallach at 609.213.1665 or swallach@specialolympicsva.org.

About Special Olympics Virginia: Special Olympics Virginia is an accredited state program of Special Olympics Incorporated; an international organization that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sports every day around the world. Through work in sports, health, education and community building, Special Olympics addresses inactivity, injustice, intolerance and social isolation by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, which leads to a more welcoming and inclusive society. Visit us at http://www.specialolympicsva.org. Engage with us on Twitter @solympicsva; fb.com/specialolympicsvirginia; Instagram @specialolympicsva; youtube.com/specialolympicsva; and TikTok @specialolympicsva.

About Polar Plunge: Polar Plunge is a signature event that raises millions of dollars each year in Virginia and around the world to support Special Olympics programs. Virginia boasts 5 regional events in Virginia Beach, Richmond, Prince William County, Fairfax and the New River Valley. In 2024, Polar Plunge events raised in excess of $2 million dollars for Special Olympics Virginia programs and generated more than $10 million dollars in economic impact on the state of Virginia. Engage with Polar Plunge Virginia on Facebook; fb.com/polarplungevirginia; and Instagram @polarplungeva.

Media Contact

Sean Wallach, Special Olympics Virginia, 609.213.1665, swallach@specialolympicsva.org, www.specialolympicsva.org 

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SOURCE Special Olympics Virginia