Winter can be a long, cold, dark season in West Virginia. But one way to brighten it is by participating in West Virginia’s Polar Plunge. How does jumping into freezing cold water in the chill of winter brighten the season? Because it’s for a good cause – actually, a great cause. Yes, this is one event you’ll want to bundle up and come out for this winter!

Special Olympics West Virginia offers Olympic-type sports training, games, and competitions for more than 4,400 disabled West Virginians of all ages. And their biggest fundraiser of the year is the Polar Plunge.

Special Olympics West Virginia

Offered in five locations on five dates, the polar plunge is one winter event in West Virginia that is well worth bundling up for. And we mean that literally - don’t forget a dry towel and a warm robe in addition to all your usual warm winter gear!

Special Olympics West Virginia

Participants must raise a minimum of $50 in pledges before qualifying for the privilege of catapulting into a cold pool or lake. But the more you raise, the more swag you come home with - and the more Special Olympics West Virginia benefits.

Special Olympics West Virginia

To make a great event even more memorable, many participants come in costume. As you might imagine, this only adds to the fun and high spirits.

Special Olympics West Virginia

There’s even a costume contest… with prizes for best costume!

Special Olympics West Virginia

The five in-person plunges are typcially held throughout the end of January and into February: one in Wheeling, one in Hurricane, one in Parkersburg, one in Morgantown, and one in Ripley.

Special Olympics West Virginia And if you take the plunge, don’t miss the after plunge party. It usually involves food.

Have you ever taken part in West Virginia’s epic Polar Plunge event? Even if you can’t jump, be sure to participate by donating to this great cause!

Special Olympics West Virginia Donations to benefit Special Olympics West Virginia can be made online or via a pledge form.

To learn more, double check places and dates for each plunge, or make a donation to West Virginia Special Olympics, head to their website here. For another fun winter festival in West Virginia, try Wizard Weekend in Fayetteville.

Special Olympics West Virginia

And if you take the plunge, don’t miss the after plunge party. It usually involves food.

Donations to benefit Special Olympics West Virginia can be made online or via a pledge form.

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Address: Cheat Lake, WV 26508, USA