Participants take the plunge for a good cause

Elizabeth Heglar | Contributing Writer

On Saturday, Feb. 13, 100 or so brave souls ventured into the icy ocean water for a good cause. The Special Olympics Polar Plunge celebrated its 12th year in Carolina Beach, featuring a 5K before participants plunged into the ocean.  

The Polar Plunge and 5K works to benefit Special Olympics in New Hanover County as well as local athletes. The Special Olympics here in Wilmington supports roughly 600 athletes, all without the help of government funding.

“The Polar Plunge is an awesome way to help raise awareness for the Special Olympics, something that deserves as much publicity as possible,” said Carolina Beach local Molly ProsserIt’s a great opportunity for those affected by mental and physical disabilities to see how much support and love others can put towards them. 

Carolina Beach locals, as well as Wilmington residents, have been participating in this event for the last 12 years with great success, causing the event to grow in size and support each year. The main focus of the plunge? Fun. “The plunge is all about fun,” their website says, “so contestants are encouraged to dress up and find their inner superhero!”

This year was no exception for costumesThe event featured two angry birds, a sombrero adorned sugar skull and a polar bear as just a few of many adorned participants.  

The plunge itself was the main focus of the event, but there was much more to it than met the eye. Aside from the cold ocean dip, there was a pre-race auction, a 5K that ran through Carolina Beach, a costume contest and multiple food vendors. Contestants had the option to either do the full event, which involved both the 5K and the plunge, or just the plunge. There was also a 1-mile walk for contestants who were interested.  

The Carolina Beach boardwalk acted as the epicenter for the Polar Plunge, with roads shut down to accommodate the large amount of foot traffic the event created. Colorfully dressed participants could be found all over the main drag of Carolina Beach from roughly 10 a.m. until around 4 p.m., socializing and enjoying themselves.

“My favorite thing about the Polar Plunge is how much life it brings to Carolina Beach,” said Prosser. It’s normally quiet here during the winter, but during this event the island is flooded with life, love and new faces. It brings out the best in those who participate.”  

To get involved with the event, participants were required to make a pledge to Special Olympics New Hanover County as either an individual or a team. Teams must have had five or more members, and each team member must have raised their minimum amount. Participants could pay in advance for cheaper prices, or sign up the day of and pay an extra five dollars for the events they chose to participate in.

UNC Wilmington students who choose to participate next year will be able to get a discount using their student ID. Those who are interested can expect registration to go up on the website sometime next January.