Every year, thousands of people take the Polar Plunge across Northern California and beyond, jumping into chilly waters to support Special Olympics NorCal athletes and their families. They brave the cold, have a blast, and build memories to last a lifetime.
It’s a ton of fun! But the Plunge has a greater purpose, too. It’s about impact, and inclusion. The Polar Plunge is a celebration of community, and a chance to do something special in a festive way.
People plunge for all sorts of reasons:
- Some plunge to bond with their sports teams, their schoolmates, or their co-workers
- Others dash and splash, pairing a 5K with the Polar Plunge
- Some jump at the chance to enjoy a great outdoor location in a unique way, while supporting a friend or family member
- Others just love a fun costume party at the beach!
But don’t just take our word for it.
Here are some reasons why people Plunge across NorCal, straight from the plungers themselves.
Special Olympics NorCal Athletes
“I plunge to give something back to Special Olympics. I plunge because I care.”
— Athlete Keith, Monterey
“I plunge because of the people who encourage me to shoot for the stars and push my limits to infinity and beyond.”
— Athlete Dashiell, Santa Clara
“I plunge because it’s fun, exciting and crazy – and it supports the athletes. So I encourage you to join me in this great fundraising event!”
— Athlete Jonathan, Sacramento
“I plunge to help raise money for Special Olympics because Special Olympics is amazing.”
— Athlete Jennifer, Santa Clara
“I’ve plunged and will continue to do so because I know this event raises much needed funds to make Special Olympics free to us athletes.”
— Athlete Devon, San Mateo
“Your donation helps out Special Olympics with food, tournaments and transportation. It’s a great cause and it helps out the programs.”
— Athlete Riley, Lake County
“I plunge because I want to help the athletes be more successful in sports.”
— Athlete Edison, Sacramento County
“I plunge to be like a polar bear & shiver for my friends!”
— Athlete Kim, Santa Clara County
“I love Plunging with my team & all of the law enforcement members. My favorite Plunge was when I was dressed like an Oompa Loompa.”
— Athlete Morgan, Tuolumne County
Special Olympics NorCal Community Members
“Raising money to keep the programs Special Olympics offers free for our athletes makes plunging a no-brainer. Plunge day is always full of lots of fun, camaraderie and competition. It may be a bit cold, but it is all for a great cause. And the smiles from the athletes make it worth it!”
— Special Olympics NorCal Coach Suzy Andrade
“I plunge in support of our amazing community of athletes and volunteers. Jumping in the freezing ocean is a bit outside my comfort zone. That discomfort reminds me that our athletes push themselves outside their comfort zone every day. When we take that uncomfortable leap together, it’s invigorating, and it feels like anything is possible.”
— Special Olympics NorCal Board Member, Coach, and Parent Eric Wilfrid
“I’ve been plunging to raise money for Special Olympics since it started in Monterey many years ago. I continue to keep Plunging and raising money because of the wonderful Special Olympics Athletes. They have taught me so much about perseverance, resilience, and above all how to be kind and supportive of each other regardless of abilities.”
— 12+ Year Plunger Allie Naughton
“I participate in the Polar Plunge because, not only is the event fun, it promotes team building. The Polar Plunge promotes inclusivity and community involvement. I’ve experienced the joy, confidence and empowerment the athletes receive from participating in Special Olympics and the Polar Plunge. The athletes are so brave to jump in the almost freezing water!”
— Monterey County Probation Officer Cristal Sanchez
“It has been a true love for me to have so many students get involved in the Polar Plunge and for them to see first hand true stories about those brave ones who have battled with problems most of us never realize. It’s so contagious to see our dear students participate, enjoy and learn from this experience, along with their parents.”
— Plunge Supporter Margaret Batesole, Los Cerros
Plunging Makes a Direct Impact on Athletes’ Lives
No matter the reason, every Plunge makes a difference. Funds raised from the Polar Plunge help provide free, year-round sports training, health screenings, schools programs and leadership opportunities that empower athletes to reach their full potential.
Are you ready to jump in to support inclusion and make an impact on an athlete’s life?