Get Freezin’ for a Reason: Special Olympics New Jersey Returns to the Wildwoods for Annual Polar Bear Plunge

Dig out your bathing suit and join in the fun of a polar bear plunge! The Special Olympics New Jersey returns to the Wildwoods to kick off 2017 with an icy plunge into the Atlantic Ocean during the annual Polar Bear Plunge on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 1 p.m. on the beach behind the Wildwoods Convention Center.

The Polar Bear Plunge is a FREE event for spectators to watch, but Plungers must raise $100 in pledges to participate in the event. Early registration is available online by visiting www.njpolarplunge.org. Additional registration and donations will be accepted on-site the day of the event.

The Wildwoods’ Polar Bear Plunge is a family-friendly event benefiting more than 25,000 athletes of the Special Olympics New Jersey. There are incentives based on the total funds raised, and there will be special recognition for the person who raises the most money.

Check-in will take place from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. inside the warm Wildwoods Convention Center before the event, and immediately following the Plunge, participants can enjoy a free lunch inside the Wildwoods Convention Center as well. For those who are not participating in the plunge, lunch can be purchased for $10.

The night before the plunge, Friday, Jan. 13, Special Olympics New Jersey will host a Beer ’n Brrr Benefit at the Bolero Resort, 3320 Atlantic Ave. in Wildwood, at 7 p.m. A $20 donation will benefit the event, which will include food, drink specials, a live auction and music. You do not need to be a participant in the Plunge to attend the Beef ’n Brrr Benefit.

The New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run is sponsoring the Wildwoods’ Polar Bear Plunge and is comprised of Law Enforcement officers who volunteer and are dedicated to raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics. The Special Olympics Torch has become one of the most colorful aspects of the Special Olympics New Jersey Opening Ceremonies.

Year after year, the Wildwoods’ Polar Bear Plunge continues to grow in popularity and is just one of the many FREE events to attend in the Wildwoods. Beat the winter blues by showing support for a worthy cause and come join in the excitement of the January Polar Bear Plunge!

For additional information regarding the Special Olympics New Jersey, please visit www.sonj.org.

For additional information regarding the Wildwoods’ Polar Bear Plunge, please call (609) 896-8000 or visit www.njpolarplunge.org.