The Dare County Special Olympics invites the public to take part in the organization’s annual Polar Plunge fundraising event beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head. Over 300 participants have registered for this year’s event, breaking Dare County’s record for participation and raising over $40,000 to date.
The schedule of events for the 2024 Polar Plunge event will be as follows:
 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. — Registration Opens(All participants must sign a waiver and attain a wristband to plunge, regardless of pre-registration status.) 11 a.m. — Opening Ceremony & Awards 11:20 a.m. — Safety Brief 11:30 a.m. — Polar Plunge Begins 12:30 p.m. — Polar Plunge Event Ends |
Before the plunge, an opening ceremony will be held, featuring a message from a Special Olympics Global Messenger athlete as well as the lighting of the “Flame of Hope” torch by uniformed officers. Awards will also be given to participants in the following categories:
| Best Individual Costume Best Team Costume Best Chicken Costume Cool Schools Top Team Fundraiser Largest Plunge Team Top Individual Fundraiser Top Team Fundraiser |
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In addition to the plunge and awards ceremony, the event will also include raffles for plungers and donors, a photo booth, Special Olympics merchandise sales and live radio broadcasting with Beach 104, as well as changing tents and coffee and hot chocolate for the plungers.
The Dare County Special Olympics is still seeking day-of event volunteers to assist with parking, registration, donations, tent management, awards and refreshments. If you are interested in volunteering at this event, please contact Dare County Special Olympics Program Coordinator Sandy Pace at SandyF@DareNC.gov or 252-475-9270 by Monday, March 8, 2024.
The public is invited to attend this event, both as plungers or as bystanders to cheer on the brave individuals who plunge into the ocean. Special Olympics volunteers will be onsite to register participants and to accept cash or credit card donations. The funds raised during this event by donors and event sponsors will provide year-round sports training, competition, leadership opportunities and health services to Special Olympics athletes in our community.
If you would like to register to participate in the Dare County Special Olympics Polar Plunge, please visit www.DareNC.gov/PolarPlunge. Individuals may register online or make a donation to an existing registrant or team on this website leading up to the event.*
*Please note that all who pre-register online must still check in at the registration table to sign a printed waiver and attain a wristband.