Polar Plungers In 2020 To Raise Money For Special Olympics

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA – The 2020 Polar Plunge in Prince William County takes place on Saturday, Feb. 22 at Leesylvania State Park. Along with taking a plunge into a cold Potomac River, the event features live bands, prizes and a costume contest for the fanciest plungers. Organizers are hoping to raise $100,000 for Special Olympics Virginia.

On the day of the plunge, registration and check-in begin at 10 a.m. Live music and the other activities run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The costume contest begins at 2 p.m., and the official plunge time is 2:30 p.m. There is on-site parking near the beach and marina at Leesylvania State Park.

The public is invited to participate in the plunge in several ways: take a plunge, either as an individual or as a team that participants put together with friends, neighbors, family or co-workers; make a donation; or come out and cheer everyone on.

Members of the public can visit the event's website to participate as part of a team or an individual. In a news release Monday, the Prince William County Police Department invited people to join "Team PWCPD" when they register for the event.

The event, in its 18th year, is a joint effort between the Prince William County Police Department and the Special Olympics of Virginia. The Polar Plunge falls under the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Virginia, a program that brings together officers from law enforcement agencies and corrections departments across the state in an effort to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Virginia.

About 20 members of the Prince William County Police Department will be taking the plunge on Feb. 22, while many others are doing fundraising and volunteering to coordinate the event.

For members of the public who are not planning to take the plunge, they can make donations to the Special Olympics Virginia on a separation donation website.

The money raised will go to help Special Olympics Virginia provide year-round sports training, competition, leadership opportunities, and health services to more than 25,000 athletes of all abilities.

Leessylvania State Park, at 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge, is a new location for the polar plunge. Last year's event was held at Tim's Rivershore Restaurant and Crabhouse in Dumfries.