Thousands take the “plunge” in Rehoboth

Nearly 3,800 people dove into the Atlantic Ocean this afternoon for the Special Olympics Delaware Lewes Polar Bear Plunge.

The plunge has come a long way since it first began in 1992. At that time, they only had 78 plungers, and still managed to raise $7,000.

The event helps financially support Special Olympics Delaware’s year round program of sports training, athletic competition, and other programs for more than 3,000 adults and children with intellectual disabilities. 

Chip Thomas, the plunge coordinator says, “It’s a great weekend for everybody that comes down. It’s a busy time for the staff of the special Olympics. We couldn’t do it without the volunteers, couldn’t do it without the plungers, but it’s just overall a great weekend.”

$780,000 was raised for the Special Olympics Sunday. In the history of the plunge, $8.3 million dollars has been raised.