Freez'in for a Reason
The Polar Plunge supports the NJ Special Olympics which strives to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people. Through the power of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, skills, and success.
Each year in February Seaside Heights hosts the Polar Bear Plunge to support the New Jersey Special Olympics. The event challenges thousands of brave jumpers from around the state. Its tagged “Freez’in for a Reason” as participants jump into the frigid Atlantic waters to support the cause. This year the temperatures will be in the mid 30 degrees and there is a chance of snow - Yeah!!! It's a great way for everyone--individuals, teams, organizations, and businesses--to get involved in supporting Special Olympics New Jersey. A donation is required to jump and all funds raised go towards programming and events for thousands of special athletes statewide.
The Plunge takes place @Spicy’s, 500 Boardwalk, Seaside Heights NJ 08751. 9:00 a.m. registration opens at Blaine Ave Seaside Heights. Plungers head to the beach at 12:45 p.m. and at 1:00 p.m. they take the Plunge. Here are some jumper pictures from the last few events.
Special Olympics Mission
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
The Special Olympics mission remains as vital today as it did when the movement was founded in 1968. Special Olympics strives to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people.
Through the power of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, skills and success. Our athletes find joy, confidence and fulfillment—on the playing field and in life. They also inspire people in their communities and elsewhere to open their hearts to a wider world of human talents and potential.
There are as many as 200 million people with intellectual disabilities around the world. Our goal is to reach out to every one of them—and their families as well. Special Olympics does this through a wide range of training, competitions, health screenings and fund-raising events. We also create opportunities for families, community members, local leaders, businesses, law enforcement, celebrities, dignitaries and others to band together to change attitudes and support athletes.
Special Olympics Websites and Resources
Additional Seaside Heights Plunge information can be found at Event Information - Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside (plungeseaside.org)
Additional information on the New Jersey Chapter of Special Olympics can be found at Special Olympics New Jersey | Transforming Lives Through Sports (sonj.org)
Additional National Special Olympics organization can be found at Special Olympics
Great Cause, Great pics. Thanks!