Capital Area

February 28, 2026

Gifford Pinchot State Park

Gifford Pinchot State Park | Lakeside Trail, Lewisberry, PA 17365

Join thousands of brave Polar Plungers in the Capital Area Region for the coolest event of the winter! The Capital Area Polar Plunge has something for everybody – food, music, dancing, games and extremely cold water! Most importantly, every dollar raised helps support vital programming for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community. Start fundraising today to join the fun. Are you a school, business person or law enforcement member? Check out our various specialty Plunge offerings below!

10 am: Registration Opens
10:30 am: Costume Contest Registration
11 am: Costume Contest
11:30 am: Opening Ceremonies
11:50 am: First Wave Stages and Plunges at 12 pm. Plunge waves are rolling.
1:30 pm: Breakdown / Clean up

Parking is available on site.

Hot coffee and cocoa provided by Wawa. Food trucks on site with food available for purchase.

Need anything else? Email Nelson at ntrout@specialolympicspa.org

Donate Now

Freezing for a team

$1,099 raised (549%) • 2 members

OD MDA

$916 raised (183%) • 12 members

Frozen Knights

$617 raised (15%) • 2 members

First Capital Gym

$466 raised (9%) • 2 members

The HYPER-Thermias!!

$403 raised (81%) • 3 members

Kerri Gilroy

$1,050 raised (70%)

JENNY LAUDEMAN

$875 raised (44%)

Dominish Miller

$450 raised (60%)

Dean Pearson

$447 raised (447%)

Jen McCrabb

$320 raised (320%)

Specialty Group Plunges

Capital Area Cool Schools

February 27, 2026

Cool Schools Polar Plunges feature teams of K-12 students who plunge and raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics. Registering as a Cool Schools team is a great team-building experience and an awesome way to support Special Olympics athletes within your school community!

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& Register

Who you’re supporting

“I love Special Olympics. I have met so many people over the years that are still my friends. It’s great to inspire and cheer each other on. Special Olympics has helped me to be more confident. I used to be very nervous speaking in public, but now I’m not afraid of the spotlight.”

Nicholas Dorion
Flag Football, Northampton

“I’m proud of the fact that I have managed to do more than people told my mom I would ever be able to do. Getting into college was probably my proudest accomplishment and Special Olympics has helped me build my confidence and learn new sports. My mom raised me to be strong and independent and that is why I have been able to do what I do.”

Dominic Johnson
Volleyball, Franklin

“Special Olympics is my life. I moved from an extremely anxious, insecure individual to a young woman who found a ‘home’ with Special Olympics. Growing up, I was excluded and was unable to understand even basic things about how the world works. I attended a number of different schools and was extremely awkward physically until I found that, with coaching from Special Olympics, I could succeed. My medals are precious.”

Celine Heffron-Pero
Athletics, Montgomery

“I had a very difficult time learning the skills of golf. With help from my coaches, I was able to learn the skills and I received a gold medal at State Games which gave me the opportunity to be picked for USA Games. I have made many new friends and play five different sports, including powerlifting and basketball.”

Reshema Sedziak
Golf, Erie

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Capital Area

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Specialty Group Plunges

Capital Area Cool Schools

Who you’re supporting

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