Lewes Polar Bear Plunge Returns March 1 in Rehoboth Beach

The Lewes Polar Bear Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Delaware returns March 1 at 1 p.m. in Rehoboth Beach for its 35th year, drawing thousands of participants. (Photo courtesy of Special Olympics Delaware.)

The Lewes Polar Bear Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Delaware has been rescheduled for Sunday, March 1, at 1 p.m. in Rehoboth Beach following a postponement in February.

Now in its 35th year, the annual fundraiser draws thousands of participants — known as “Bears” — who take a winter dip in the Atlantic Ocean to raise money for Special Olympics programs across the state. Plunge-related activities will also take place Saturday, Feb. 28.

The event began in 1992 with 78 participants raising $7,000. Last year, 4,416 participants raised more than $1.2 million through in-person and virtual plunges. Organizers say the event has generated more than $18.4 million over its history to support sports training, competitions, health initiatives, education and leadership programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Programs are offered at no cost to athletes.

“For 35 years, the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge has united thousands in a shared mission of inclusion,” said David Halley, President & CEO of Special Olympics Delaware. “Every person who plunges, donates, or cheers is part of a legacy that empowers thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities in Delaware to achieve their dreams.”

The event is presented by Wawa, which returns for its 20th consecutive year as presenting sponsor. Wawa associates will provide free hot beverages to plungers from the company’s Community Care vehicle, and stores across the chain are collecting donations through March 1 to benefit Special Olympics Delaware.

“Wawa and The Wawa Foundation are committed to building stronger communities and are proud to support Special Olympics Delaware at their Polar Plunge to help support thousands of athletes who train and compete year-round,” said Liz Simeone, President of The Wawa Foundation. “Wawa Associates take great pride in fulfilling lives in our stores and out in their communities”

Plunge weekend festivities will include a 5K Run to the Plunge, sand and ice sculpting demonstrations, Fire & Ice activities, and a restaurant chili tasting contest on Saturday. Sunday’s schedule features additional sculpting demonstrations, the Polar Bear Plunge and an Après Plunge Party at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center following the swim.

Registration remains open through the day of the event, though fees are scheduled to increase on Feb. 25. Additional information and registration details are available at plungeDE.org.