BBBRRRR... Let's Go Swimming!
Across the Chesapeake Bay this winter, those brave (or crazy enough) to take a dip in the icy winter waters will be raising money for charitable causes. Are you ready to take the plunge? Here are four polar bear plunges for you in Chesapeake country.
1. Ocean City Penguin Swim
The 25th annual Penguin Swim to benefit the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation kicks off January 1 at the Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel in Ocean City, MD. Individual and team fundraising efforts by Penguin Swim participants enable the not-for-profit community hospital, Atlantic General, to continue to provide quality care to the community. Event day check-in and registration begins at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 12:30 p.m.; the swim takes place at 1 p.m. on the beach in front of the hotel. aghpenguinswim.org
2. The MSP Polar Bear Plunge
Every January over 10,000 courageous plungers head to Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis seeking thrills and chills, all to benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Maryland. 2019 marks the 23rd annual running of this event. Participants pledge $75 or more, and the individuals and/or teams that raise the most money are awarded prizes ranging from sweatshirts to Ravens tickets. Special Olympics Maryland provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for persons two years of age and older with intellectual disabilities. There are a few plunges to choose from at this event; learn more at somd.convio.net.
Super Plunge (can you handle plunging once an hour for half a day?): January 18
Police Plunge: January 25
Corporate Plunge: January 25
MSP Polar Bear Plunge: January 26
Pee Wee & Family Plunge: January 26
Cool School Plunge (for students and teachers): January 26
3. Virginia Beach Polar Plunge Festival
Are you ready to take an ice-cold dip into the Atlantic Ocean with several thousand of the coolest Special Olympics supporters in Virginia? The Polar Plunge Festival in Virginia Beach February 1-2 takes place at the Hilton Oceanfront Hotel and costs $100. The funds raised at each plunge event help Special Olympics Virginia provide year-round sports training, competition, leadership opportunities, and health services to more than 23,000 athletes of all abilities. polarplunge.com/vabeach
4. Middle River Penguin Plunge
The Middle River Penguin Plunge is back, February 23 at Sunset Cove in Bowleys Quarters, MD. Brave plungers will be dipping into the Chesapeake Bay to raise money for Baltimore County’s Empower 4 Life, which services homeless youth in Baltimore County. The organization is all volunteer and works with homeless youth to promote a healthy lifestyle both physically and mentally. Registration starts at 12 p.m. for this family-friendly event. Adult registration is $40, and children 16 and under cost $25. Register at penguin18.myevent.com.
Did we miss any good plunges? If so, email [email protected] and we'll add it to our list!
