If you travel over the Bay Bridge in the afternoon on January 26, you will see thousands of half naked bodies racing into the water from Sandy Point State Park. Though the idea of racing into frigid Chesapeake Bay waters in late January does not seem sane, these bodies will do so for a purpose, and a good one too. The event is the 17th Annual MSP (Maryland State Police) Polar Bear Plunge and the reason is to benefit the Special Olympics of Maryland (SOMD). If you want to get involved or simply watch people who are slightly a bit nuts yet dedicated to a cause, head out to Sandy Point and make a day of it.
The Special Olympics of Maryland is the cause that an upwards of $15,000 plungers donate to. The mission of the SOMD is to supply those with intellectual disabilities training for the Special Olympics year-round and the chance to be an active part of a team. Thus far, over $375,000 have been raised by the Plunge for SOMD. You can learn more about SOMD here.
Anyone at any age can participate in the Plunge–you don’t have to be a member of a plunging team like the various police and school teams. However, as an individual, you must raise $50 to participate. Payment–including cash, checks, and credit cards–can be made on the Plunge day to the registration table. Once you’ve donated $50, it is up to you how far you venture into the chilly water. Some go for the dunk and others go for little toes in the water. Those who are truly brave and/or numb can plunge at both time slots: 1 and 3 p.m. Regardless of the frequency of plunging or how brave, all can make use of the heated tents after the Plunge.
Donating gives great incentives–more than just funding peoples’ joy with disabilities. Those who donate $50 will receive event sweatshirts and a digital photo collage of the day’s activities. Those who donate $500 and more receive even greater rewards, which depend upon the amount donated. Giving $500 gets you a fleece that commemorates the SOMD Plunge, while those who donate $5,000 receive the Plunge fleece, a bag, a parking pass, a luxurious bathrobe, and more goodies.
You can wear whatever you desire to, with the exception of wetsuits and costumes on the Plunge. In addition, since this is a family event and area schools participate in the Plunge, you should wear appropriate an bathing suit. It is a good idea to wear shoes to the event while waiting to plunge due to the coldness of the sand.
Before and after the Plunge, there will be live music provided by Ram’s Head performers, a costume contest, vendors set up with crafts and local goods, a raffle, food and drinks to buy, alcoholic beverages to enjoy, and tons of carnival activities for kids.
The parking situation is challenging at Sandy Point for the Plunge due to the high volume of participants and an upwards of 200 buses that will be traveling to the event. These buses are available to shuttle participants to and from the event, but you must reserve your spot. To do so, and to learn more about transportation and the event, head to http://www.kintera.org/site/c.7oIFJSPsGcIWF/b.8131461/k.BD65/Home.htm.
For those who don’t want to plunge but want to watch, there will be a designated area at the park entitled “Plunge Zone.” Spectators should follow the parking guidelines as well. Watching is absolutely free and cheering is encouraged.
The significance of the cause should hopefully inspire you to participate, or at least spectate. For kids who participate, plunging awards bragging rights. For adults, participating means helping fund something fun for kids and teens with disabilities, even if funding that joy means being cold for a few hours. To learn more, visit the second link provided here.
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