January 8th, 2023 by WCBC Radio

Plunge events include Super Plunge January 27-28th, Cool Schools February 2nd, Corporate, Police, Military,
EMT and Firefighter February 3rd, followed by the Maryland Plunge & PlungeFest February 4th at Sandy Point
State Park in Annapolis all to benefit Special Olympics Maryland athletes.

WHAT: Vendors and entertainment are booked, and our Plungers are ready to take back the beach for
the 27th year of the MSP Polar Bear Plunge. Join us the first week of February for the COOLEST
Maryland winter party, PlungeFest. With games, entertainment, live music, and food and drink;
it’s a party that the whole family can enjoy. The water may be COLD, but this party is going to be
HOT!

We have two upcoming fundraisers for the Plunge this Saturday in commemoration of one month
to Plunge that we would like to invite you to. You can find more information about these
fundraising events HERE. “I am excited for the 2023 MSP Polar Bear Plunge Week. For me this marks the real start of the
year, as our athletes inspire over 10,000 people from all walks of life to jump in the frigid waters
of the Chesapeake Bay. The Plunge symbolizes why I am so proud to be a Marylander as so
many people come together to support the more than 8,000 Special Olympics Maryland athletes
and Unified teammates. Starting with the students at the Cool Schools Plunge, moving to our
friends at the Police Plunge, continuing with businesses, small and large at the Corporate Plunge
and closing it out with the Maryland Plunge on Saturday, the magnitude and energy of our Plunge
Week is unparalleled. As we continue planning for the best Plunge Week ever, I look forward to
seeing our loyal veteran plunge teams and plungers and as always, I am eager to welcome new
plunge teams to experience the exhilaration of Plunging in the Bay.” – Jim Schmutz, President
and CEO of Special Olympics Maryland

Young or old come BEAR the cold and support the 8,000 athletes and Unified® Partners of
Special Olympics Maryland. Head to PlungeMD.com to get registered and start your fundraising
campaign. By raising $100 you will receive this year’s commemorative 2023 Plunge sweatshirt
as proof that you were willing to #BearTheCold. All the proceeds for the Polar Bear Plunge go
towards funding Special Olympics Maryland sports, health, and leadership programs year-round
for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Help us reach our goal of raising $3 million for the
athletes, you plunge so they can play.
“It’s incredible to see how much support Special Olympics Maryland gets through such a unique
event like the Polar Bear Plunge. Especially now as so many teams include those with intellectual
disabilities on them. Through this cold winter event, we are all bringing awareness to a Unified®
Generation as we lead the way and freeze together and EXPERIENCE INCLUSION!” – Adam
Hays, Special Olympics Maryland Athlete
Registration for the 2023 MSP Polar Bear Plunge is open! Teams and individuals can register at
PlungeMD.com and encourage friends and family to join your team! Start your fundraising efforts
today, and remember be bold, get cold!

WHO: More than 10,000 people from across the state will plunge in-person into the chilly Chesapeake
Bay or virtually from home, all to raise money for Special Olympics Maryland.

WHEN: February 2-4th, 2023

WHERE: Sandy Point State Park
1100 E College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD

ABOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICS MARYLAND (SOMD)
Special Olympics Maryland (SOMD) is a year-round sports organization dedicated to providing quality sports
training and competition, health, and leadership opportunities to Maryland’s children and adults with intellectual
disabilities and/or closely related development disabilities. SOMD currently provides thousands of sports
experiences annually for athletes statewide, and offers 27 sports, all at no cost to the athletes or their families. For
more information about SOMD visit www.somd.org or call 410-242-1515.