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PLUNGE INTO THE OCEAN FOR SOME CRAZY FUN AND A GREAT CAUSE

There are all kinds of ways to be a “fun grandparent” . . . but here’s one that’s extra painful, extra fun, and extra likely to yield some of the best photos for you family album:

Stripping down to your favorite swimsuit and racing into the freezing cold Atlantic Ocean on a 40-degree winter day.

Yes, you really can do it – and might be surprised at how good you feel (mostly when you’re wrapped in a towel afterward) about helping kids, teens and adults with special needs participate in Special Olympics activities year round. 

Those are the bear facts about the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge, taking place this year on Sunday, February 2nd in Rehoboth Beach. https://plungede.org/ 

An Historic Event and a Beloved Beach Tradition

This event kicked off way back in 1982 (when you were in elementary school) and was the brainchild of Dave Frederick, the Cape Gazette’s beloved sports columnist. People loved it for years because it was such an unusual way to feel alive (and brave). Beginning in 1992 people who wanted to participate signed up to raise money for Special Olympics Delaware. At that first fundraiser for Special Olympics there were 78 people who together raised $7,000. Last year the event drew 4,380 participants (referred to as “Bears”) and raised $1.5 million.

This was fabulous news for thousands of children and adults with intellectual disabilities who love the thrill of competition and the joy of physical fitness and friendship with their fellow Olympians. And you can be part of it this year for the sake of this great cause. You can register and pay your donation at https://plungede.org/resources/registration/

Not Sure You’re Up for Those Goosebumps? Then Participate in Other Ways

While your heart might be willing to embrace the activity, you might not feel up for a full plunge into that brutally cold water. If so, there are other ways to support the bears and Special Olympians. 

Run or Walk and Maybe Work Up a Sweat Instead. If you’re not up for the full immersion experience you can also participate in the 5K run or walk on Saturday, February 1st at 10 a.m. Get the details here: https://plungede.org/weekend-festival/5k-run-to-the-plunge/

Warm Up with Spicy Chili for Lunch on Saturday. More than a dozen great restaurants around the beaches are offering their best chili concoctions from 2:30 to 5 p.m. on February 1st. You’ll pay $15 for the dish at each of the restaurants, with the proceeds likewise going to Special Olympics Delaware. Participating eateries include Crabby Dicks, Dogfish Head, Iron Hill Brewery, Kiwi’s Kove, Mariachi, NALU, Outback, Rehoboth Ale House, 302 Social, Summer House, The Pines, The Purple Parrot, Tiki Zac’s and Zogg’s

Volunteer Your Time. Special Olympics wouldn’t exist without its volunteers and the same can be said for the Polar Bear Plunge. Learn about the opportunities at https://plungede.org/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities/

Want to Have More Fun?

The Polar Bear Plunge is a full weekend event, with more restaurants serving up wonderful food at The Atlantic Sands on Saturday, Ice-Sculpting and Sand Sculpting contests and a lot more. For a full schedule visit https://plungede.org/weekend-festival/.