RI’s Polar Plunge events will be held virtually due to pandemic

While many people will be glad to see go and will welcome with open arms, especially as vaccinations look to be the light at the end of the dark tunnel that has been the O9ID- pandemic, the reality for now is that the pandemic will carry over into the new year and, with it, the cancellation and reconfiguration of more annual traditions continues. This year the area’s three main polar plunges, in which divers brave freezing cold water on 1ew Year’s Day for a quick dive to raise money for a variety of charities, are all going digital.

“When we started planning for the plunge back in $ugust and September, we knew it was important to offer an in-person plunge of some sort. We knew it would have to be different and very modified from years past,” director of development Tracy arabedian of Special Olympics Rhode Island, which runs the popular 3enguin 3lunge at Roger Wheeler State 3ark in 1arragansett, said. “$s we worked on a plan to submit to D(M and the DO , it became clear to us that the in-person plunge just wasn’t going to work. With all the O9ID protocols that would have had to be in place, the fun and e[citement of the plunge would have been completely stripped away.”

arabedian said the Special Olympics knew they couldn’t take any chances and would have to change the layout of the event by turning it into an all-remote event.

“I’m hearing that most people plan to do their remote plunge on Jan. , in keeping with tradition,” arabedian said. “I’m asking people to film themselves plunging and send it to me and we will put them all together for a special 3lunge video.”

The 3enguin 3lunge, which celebrates its th anniversary this year, is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for Special Olympics RI, with arabedian saying the organization usually e[pects to take in about , to , each year.

“This year we budgeted to bring in , ,” arabedian said. “I’m hopeful we can reach that amount.”

She has also been in regular contact with her counterparts at Special Olympics organizations in other states to compare and contrast their plans.

“3lunges are the signature fundraising events for most Special Olympics programs around the country,” arabedian said.

3eople interested in plunging can register on the Special Olympic RI’s website, specialolympicsri.org. In order to participate this year, all plungers must pre-register and raise at least , which also gets them a 3enguin 3lunge face mask, with those who raise over receiving a 3olar 3lunge long sleeve T-shirt. To participate, plungers must record a - second landscape video of them taking an ice bath, pouring an ice bucket on themselves or another form of cold water. 3lungers are encouraged to make their videos as creative and fun as possible, with awards being given out for the best videos, and are encouraged to hold up a sign promoting the 3enguin 3lunge or Special Olympics RI, say why they’re plunging and challenge two or three friends to take the plunge as well.

Special Olympics RI encourages posting the videos on social media, but in order to enter the contest, they must first be sent by Sunday to tracy@specialolympicsri.org, and then they’ll be able to be added to the 3enguin 3lunge livestream on 1ew Years Day.

$cross town in 1arragansett, the 1arragansett ions lub announced via Facebook that their annual 1arragansett ions lub 3ier 3lunge at the 1arragansett Town Beach is canceled.

“Unfortunately we will not be holding the 3ier 3lunge on 1ew Year’s Day in an effort to keep everyone safe,” the 1arragansett ions lub wrote. “$s you know, this is a fundraiser, so if you want to plunge on your own at any location, feel free to post your pics. We will even accept bathtub plunges in icy water appropriately dressed, of course . $nd, plunge or not, if you can donate, please do so. $ll money raised helps the community.”

Over in 1orth .ingstown, a year after taking over the annual 3olar 3lunge from the former West Bay YM $, the Town of 1orth .ingstown Recreation Department announced their event, too, would be online-only this year.

“Unfortunately due to O9ID we will not be hosting a traditional’ polar plunge,” Recreation Director helsey Dumas- ibbs said. “We encourage everyone to take the plunge on their own for a fresh start to a healthy new year.”