Registration Guide
Click here to choose a Polar Plunge near you!
Join as an individual or create your own team in support of the more than 40,000 Special Olympics North Carolina athletes.
Donations/Fundraising
Checks can be written out to “Special Olympics North Carolina”.
You can also bring or give your chosen Plunger a check (written out to “Special Olympics North Carolina”) or cash donation, which you/they will then turn in at the event. You can also mail in your donation to the address below. Be sure to include the participant’s name so we know who to give credit to.
Special Olympics North Carolina
Attn: Polar Plunge / participant’s name
2200 Gateway Centre Blvd., Suite 201
Morrisville, NC 27560
Yes! Our tax ID/EIN is 56-1149607.
Donors will receive a receipt.
As long as you have the minimum funds raised by the time of the Plunge, you’ll be able to participate, and the remaining funds can be turned in later. We can only register you and provide an incentive for the amount of money you raised at the time of the Plunge. If you receive donations after the Plunge, you can mail them to the address below. Please include your name and Plunge location.
Special Olympics North Carolina
Attn: Polar Plunge
2200 Gateway Centre Blvd., Suite 201
Morrisville, NC 27560
General Resources
Each year, the Polar Plunge challenges thousands of brave jumpers at numerous locations around North Carolina. It’s a great way for everyone—individuals, organizations and businesses—to get involved in supporting Special Olympics North Carolina. All funds raised go towards programming and events for athletes statewide.
Think you have what it takes? The concept is simple: participants raise a minimum of money and take a dip into a frigid body of water in North Carolina. But the Plunges are so much more than that: They’re the kind of fun and thrilling events that you really have to experience to understand. Grab some friends, get pumped and register today!
Not only does your participation in the Plunge give you that feel-good feeling for raising money for Special Olympics North Carolina, participants often receive some SWEET merchandise and prizes to go with it. Incentives vary by Plunge location.
Refunds
- Charitable contributions are non-refundable, and the minimum Plunge fundraising requirement is considered a charitable contribution and is therefore also non-refundable.
Event Cancellation Policy
- We reserve the right to delay, shorten or, in rare circumstances, cancel an event due to inclement weather. Safety of participants and spectators is always extremely important to us, and we work with local meteorologist Ian Leonard and law enforcement to be sure conditions are safe for participants. In all our years of the event, we have yet to cancel a Plunge (fingers crossed!). No refunds will be offered if the event is cancelled or if you cannot attend. If an event were to be cancelled, we would still offer an incentive pick-up option to participants or allow participants to transfer to a different event. We’ll make all possible attempts—by email, website and social media—to inform participants if changes are made to an event.
Alcohol
- Alcohol is not permitted at the Plunge site. If you’re intoxicated, on-site law enforcement will not allow you to participate.
Costumes
- Costumes are always encouraged, but please be respectful to others. Costume must be appropriate and non-discriminatory. Those wearing costumes deemed inappropriate or offensive may be asked to change.
Please contact Leslie Moyar at lmoyar@sonc.net or 919-719-7662 ext. 123.
Please contact Leslie Moyar at lmoyar@sonc.net or 919-719-7662 ext. 123.
How deep is the water?
Each Plunge location is different. Diving is not allowed.
How old do you have to be to Plunge?
There is no age requirement to participate in a Polar Plunge. Young children are welcome to participate, but that decision is left to the sole discretion of the child’s parent or guardian. A waiver must be signed and approved by an adult. Those under 18 are required to have a parent or guardian present at the event. If you do not register online, paper waivers are available at registration as well.
Where can I change before and after I plunge?
We provide changing tents for men and women. Please note that neither the event committee nor Special Olympics North Carolina are responsible for personal belongings left inside the tent that are lost or stolen during the course of the event. Leave items at your own risk.
What do I wear to Plunge?
You can wear a bathing suit or costume. Make sure you bring a towel and dry, warm clothes to change into.
How long does check-in take?
We have streamlined our check in process, but can never predict when crowds will be heaviest. We encourage you to arrive early to check-in on the day of the event, and enjoy the Plunge atmosphere.
Am I guaranteed to receive my incentive when I check-in?
We do our best to order enough incentives to cover all the Plungers who participate, but if there is a large increase in Plunge registrations, we may not have everyone’s incentives available on site. If you do not receive your incentives the day of the Plunge, they will be mailed to you as soon after the event as possible.
Can I plunge at more than one Plunge event?
Definitely! You need to register yourself for each Plunge event. All your events will appear on your public Plunge page, and supporters will be able to choose which event they’d like to donate to.
Can group of friends plunge as a team?
Yes! Forming a team is a great way to motivate one another to raise more money for Special Olympics North Carolina. When registering, select the “Create a Team” option.
