Polar Plunge NY

Special Olympics New York is a nonprofit organization that supports people with intellectual disabilities through sports, health, leadership, and inclusion programs. Its annual Polar Plunge fundraising events invite individuals, teams, schools, and corporate supporters to raise money from friends and family before taking a splash in cold water. Events are held at locations across New York, with participants able to start a team, join an existing team, plunge solo, or support a participant or team with a donation.

Funds raised through the Polar Plunge help provide year-round sports training and competition, along with leadership, health, and inclusion opportunities for athletes in local communities. The organization also offers fundraising resources, sponsorship opportunities, participant incentives, and information about the impact of donations. In 2025, Polar Plunge raised $1.25 million, with events across more than 20 locations and participation from over 3,000 plungers and 30,000 donors and fundraisers. Special Olympics New York is based in Albany and welcomes community members to take part, contribute, and support athletes on and off the playing field.