Polar Plunge

The Polar Plunge is a one-of-a-kind community tradition where individuals, groups, and local businesses come together to support Special Olympics Nevada by raising funds and taking a chilly leap into icy winter waters. And yes — costumes are absolutely encouraged!

Click on Register and follow the easy steps to complete the registration process.  You can join as an individual, start a team and be a team captain, or join a team that is already been created. 

Your courage and sense of fun!  You will want to wear some type of water shoe.  Don’t forget to bring a towel and a change of clothes too!  We don’t recommend that your change of clothes have lots of buttons or zippers because they are the last thing you will want to fumble with after you get out of the chilly water with fingers that are “bear-ly” functioning!  A duffel bag or garbage bag to put your wet clothes in would be a pretty good idea as well.  

All participants need to raise a minimum of $125 in order to participate.  As an incentive, you’ll receive a Polar Plunge T-shirt and free admittance to the Plunge festivities.  There are additional incentive levels – $250, $500, and $1,000 so the more you raise the more you earn (and the more our athletes benefit)!  

Absolutely not.  Participants run into the water, frolic around for a minute or two, snap photos, and then out of the water we go!

Anyone is welcome to participate, regardless of their age.  However, those under the age of 18 must turn in a Polar Plunge waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian to participate.

Heck no!  But don’t be surprised if the majority of participants will.  When else will you have an excuse to dress in costume in the middle of winter? If you’re part of a team, get in the spirit and come up with a team theme. Whatever you choose to wear, please keep in mind this is a family affair so plan your costume or plunge attire accordingly.

Absolutely! Walk-up participants are more than welcome.  They can pay by check, cash or credit card. 

South Lake Tahoe – No you are welcome to bring your cheering section to see you make a splash for Special Olympics! 

Cowabunga – Yes, a guest ticket must be purchased to enter Cowabunga Bay for $45, purchasing a ticket supports an athlete through SONV programs. $250 supports one athlete for one year.

No. Each individual participating in Plunge must register with a different email address. This assists in ensuring all individuals have signed the waiver of liability to participate.  

Up to one week prior to your plunge date, you can mail them to Special Olympics Nevada.  Donations you may receive the of week your plunge should be brought with you.  We will have volunteers onsite who will accept your donations and be sure they are credited to your plunge page.

Absolutely!  Our Tax ID number is 93-2574727.

Please make checks payable to Special Olympics Nevada.

No, we’re sorry.  Money raised can’t be moved from one team member to another.  Besides, we have some great additional incentive levels.  You earned it, you deserve it.  

Please mail them to Special Olympics Nevada. Every dollar counts and will help us continue to change the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities.