Make a splash and join the fun at a Polar Plunge event near you! You can be “Freezin’ for a Reason” as an individual or as a team of friends, family, or co-workers! Polar Plunges are enjoyable for “plungers” and the spectators too!
First, we wish to begin with a huge Thank You to everyone who fundraises or participates in area events that benefit the Special Olympics Programs in South Carolina! We look forward to seeing many of you taking the Polar Plunge with us!
We also thank all the area radio and television news outlets and magazines that support us by posting articles about our events. For many years, the only plunge supporting the Special Olympics in the state was the Myrtle Beach Polar Plunge. We have 9 areas in South Carolina that have plunges of their own, and that helps give even more to the Special Olympics of South Carolina in support of their determined athletes.
What You Can Expect at a Polar Plunge Event:
- Fun & Smiles
- Laughter & Chilling!
- Splashing & Dancing
- Feeling Good While Doing Good
- You can expect to get wet and be a bit chilled, because the plunges are held in February. Some plunges are at the beach, while others take place at lakes and pools. Each one is unique, but most will offer added fun such as music, costume contests, prizes, food, and more!
The very first Polar Plunge event in Horry County took place in 2006 when area police officers and others in law enforcement wished to do something to help raise community awareness about the Special Olympics. With the help of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics in uniting officers from law enforcement agencies and corrections departments across the state, support for the event grew to be the largest overall fundraiser for the Special Olympics. Joining in are many caring individuals, businesses, community groups, teachers, schools, students, churches, youth groups, sports teams – the love is just wonderful!
The mission of the 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, learn new skills, and participate in sharing friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.
In South Carolina, thousands of people with intellectual disabilities benefit from the opportunity to participate in the Special Olympics. The organization receives no federal funding and relies on private and corporate support as well as the efforts of hundreds of volunteers to provide services at no cost to the athletes and their families.
The Special Olympics works hard to maximize each and every donation received. For every $1 raised for the athletes, 89 cents goes directly to the program costs. Expenses include equipment, uniforms, transportation, facility fees, background screening costs, official’s fees, and other necessary things to benefit the athletes and their efforts. A donation as small as $50 can provide two basketballs to the organization, and $250 would pay for special equipment rental for 10 athletes for one day. $500 goes far to support one athlete for a whole year!
