Hundreds of brave people dip into the New River each winter in the Polar Plunge, which raises money for the Special Olympics each February.
RADFORD – Each February for the past several years, hundreds of intrepid souls dip themselves into the New River to raise money for the Special Olympics.
This year’s Polar Plunge is set for Saturday, Feb. 22 at 10:30 a.m. at Dudley’s Landing in Bisset Park in Radford and there is still time to sign up and enjoy the chilly fun for a good cause.
“Go ankle deep or all in,” say Special Olympics coordinators of the events. “Either way, when you brave the New River with your closest friends, you’re helping our athletes discover how cool it feels to be a Special Olympics champion. Come chill with us!”
“Fundraising minimum is $100 per person, but the more you raise, the more you earn! Grab your friends and form a team. Prizes will be awarded to the top team and individual fundraisers as well as best costume.The Polar Plunge Festival is Special Olympics Virginia’s premier, annual fundraiser for those brrrr-ave enough to take the challenge. Join the “colony” as we come together to raise funds and plunge into icy waters at four different locations across Virginia in January and February– all for a cool cause.”
Radford University and the Radford City Police Department are the primary local sponsor for the Radford event, which is highly supported by Radford University students, alumni, police officers and community members participating in the plunge.
DETAILS:
10:30 a.m.: Registration opens
10:45 a.m.: LETR hosted Cornhole Tournament (Additional fee. Register in teams of two or register as an individual to be paired with a Special Olympics athlete or volunteer.)
12 p.m.: Costume contest,opening ceremony and plunge check presentation
12:15 p.m.: Plunger safety briefing
12:30 p.m.: Plunging begins
Contact the Special Olympics to get involved: SW Office (Event Coordinator); swoffice@specialolympicsva.org; (540)951-2918. Volunteers are also still needed.