Virginia Beach, VA – February 8, 2025 – The colony flocked to Virginia Beach this weekend for the 2025 Polar Plunge and boy did they make waves! A record-breaking 4,151 plungers, runners and cool schoolers raised an incredible $1.7 million (and counting!) for Special Olympics Virginia. Once again, plungers proved that when it comes to supporting inclusion, courage knows no temperature.
"The Polar Plunge is more than an event – it’s a movement fueled by bravery, inclusion and pure joy,” said Special Olympics Virginia President & CEO David Thomason. “Every splash, every dollar raised, helps us build a world where differences are celebrated, and everyone belongs. To all our plungers, partners and supporters – thank you for making waves of change with us this year!"
Highlights from the Coolest Weekend of the Year:
- Photos from the weekend!
- Students Take the Plunge: On Friday (Feb. 7), 339 students and teachers conquered the Cool School Challenge, sponsored by WVEC, and raised more than $82,000 for 20,000+ Special Olympics Virginia athletes. Special shout-out to Knox Teague from Plaza Middle School, this year’s top student fundraiser.
- Light It Up: Friday evening’s 5K Glow Run/Waddle, sponsored by WAVY TV10, saw 651 runners, walkers and waddlers lighting up the boardwalk in style.
- Party on the Beach: The Pre-Plunge Party rocked the shore with live music from DJ Julian and plunge-themed drinks, courtesy of Tito’s Handmade Vodka, White Claw and Commonwealth Brewing.
- Costumes Galore: Saturday’s TJ Maxx Boardwalk Boogie Costume Parade brought creativity to a whole new level, with penguins, superheroes, polar bears and more strutting their stuff.
Top Fundraising Stars:
- Ice Kings & Queens: Team Ice-aholics raised an impressive $84,613 snagging the top team fundraising award.
- Chill Champion: George Faatz with Virginia Natural Gas $20,203 as the top individual fundraiser – talk about icy dedication!
This year’s festival was presented by The Wawa Foundation, Virginia Natural Gas, WTKR News 3, 106.9 the FOX, FM99, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Virginia, Virginia Tourism Corporation, the Virginia Knights of Columbus and other cool partners. Since 1993, Polar Plunge events have raised more than $22.8 million for Special Olympics Virginia, proving that a little chill can lead to a whole lot of change.
Missed out on the fun in Virginia Beach? Don’t worry – you can still make a splash! Join us at our final two upcoming plunges: Leesylvania State Park Feb. 15 and the New River Valley March 1. Visit www.polarplunge.com to register or donate.