Special Olympics Iredell County gearing up for Annual Polar Plunge fundraiser

Posted on by Mike Fuhrman
Statesville Fire Department employees take the plunge at the 2025 event. The SFD was the top fundraising team in 2025.

Special to IFN

On Saturday, February 14, Special Olympics Iredell County, in partnership with the Statesville Recreation and Economic Vitality Department, will host the annual Special Olympics Polar Plunge at the Statesville Leisure Pool, located at 1877 Simonton Road in Statesville.

The Polar Plunge is a fun and spirited fundraising event that raises critical funds and awareness for Special Olympics Iredell County athletes who will train and compete in 16 Olympic-style sports at the local, regional, and state levels throughout 2026.

The event will kick off with registration beginning at 10 a.m. Participants are encouraged to dress in costume for the always-popular costume contest, with prizes awarded to the top three entries. The Special Olympics Iredell County cheerleading team will be on hand to energize and cheer on participants as they brave the cold waters.

Younger children are invited to take part in the Pee Wee Plunge, scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. The main plunge for individuals and teams will follow immediately afterward.

Participants may register in advance or on-site the day of the event. Special Olympics Iredell County Polar Plunge and “Too Chicken to Plunge” T-shirts will also be available for purchase.

The fundraising goal for the 2026 Polar Plunge is $35,000, which represents approximately one-third of Special Olympics Iredell County’s annual budget.

Funds raised will support athlete uniforms and sports equipment, meals, housing, transportation, and other essential program expenses. Special Olympics athletes are never charged a fee to participate at any level, making community support and fundraising vital to sustaining year-round programming.

REGISTRATION

Those willing to brave the cold in support of local athletes can register, donate, or create a fundraising page at give.specialolympicsnc.com/2026IredellPlunge.

Individuals and teams are encouraged to take the plunge for the athletes of Special Olympics Iredell County. On-site registration will also be available. Participants who raise at least $75 will receive a Special Olympics Polar Plunge T-shirt by mail.

LEARN MORE

For more information about Special Olympics Iredell County or the Polar Plunge, please contact Bobbi Williams at iredell@sonc.net or follow us on Facebook at Special Olympics Iredell County.

Leave a Reply