CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Chicago Polar Plunge, benefiting the athletes of the Special Olympics Chicago/Special Children’s Charities program, returns in-person to North Avenue Beach on Sunday, March 6, with a virtual option available, as well.
Now in its 22nd annual year, the Chicago Polar Plunge has become the must-attend winter event in the city over the last two decades, organizers said in statement. Last year, the Chicago Polar Plunge was virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, the event raised over $1,000,000, with plungers getting creative and jumping into snow banks, running through sprinklers, and more.
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This year, registrants are asked to raise a minimum of $200. All participating plungers will receive free parking at Lincoln Park Zoo or a free bus for groups of 20 or more; a souvenir t-shirt; towel when exiting the water; free photo downloads; and complimentary food at the “Melt Down Party.”
Over the last decade, the Chicago Polar Plunge has become the largest, and most well-known plunge in the country, attracting celebrity plungers, and garnering national and international attention. Plungers have included The Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon, actors Vince Vaughn and Dax Shepard, musician/artist Lady Gaga, the casts of Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, and Chicago Med, Al Roker, Craig Melman, and other personalities from The TODAY Show.
Organizers said the Chicago Polar Plunge is an enormously important event for Special Olympics Chicago, as it helps to fund the year-round activities and events enjoyed by thousands of athletes throughout the city. Funds raised from the Chicago Polar Plunge help to pay for transportation to competitions, uniforms, sports equipment, and more, for the Special Olympics Chicago programs and athletes.
Athletes compete and train in 17 sports throughout the year in over 150 Chicago Public Schools throughout the city and in 23 parks through the Chicago Park District.
In addition to sports activities, SOC/SCC provides extracurricular activities, including arts programming, an athlete produced cable access television show, cooking nights, dance parties, special events, field trips, and more. The organization recently announced a partnership with Second City Chicago where athletes have the opportunity to attend virtual improv classes with instructors from the Second City Training Center.
Registration for the 22nd annual Chicago Polar Plunge is now open by visiting www.chicagopolarplunge.org.
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