Annual Polar Plunge Fundraiser

Sounds of cheering and splashing broke the typical offseason silence at Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe over the last weekend of February. While the Carolinas' Favorite Water Park is usually closed over the cold winter months, the park opened its gates to host Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) and the annual Triad Chill Polar Plunge fundraiser. More than 800 participants were Freezin’ for a Reason, benefitting Special Olympics athletes and programs, and raising more than $60,000 to support Special Olympics North Carolina.

The two-day fundraising event kicked off on Friday, February 24^th, with 16 different North Carolina schools taking part in the Cool Schools Polar Plunge. The school groups, comprising 20 or more students, faculty, and staff, took the plunge into the freezing cold water of Leisure Lagoon. The student and teacher participants, adorned in matching t-shirts and creative costumes, lined up for the Plunge Parade and marched around to the back of Leisure Lagoon, stepping out onto a large, platform stage, before taking the plunge! Led by host RJ Reynolds High School, students, faculty, and staff raised over $26,000 in support of Special Olympic athletes.

On day two, Special Olympics North Carolina, including guests, sponsors, plungers, and athletes alike, gathered on a frigid, overcast morning at Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe for the Triad Chill Polar Plunge event. The Triad Chill Polar Plunge for Special Olympics provides an opportunity for individuals, teams, and organizations to support Special Olympics athletes. The funds that these participants raise will support the nearly 40,000 Special Olympics North Carolina athletes and Interscholastic Unified Sports programs in schools across the state.

According to SONC’s mission statement, “Special Olympics uses the transformative power of sports to improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, giving children and adults continuing opportunities to experience joy, demonstrate courage and develop confidence, both on and off the field of play.” Triad Chill Polar Plunge participants from all across North Carolina fundraised to support this mission of helping children and adults with intellectual disabilities. 

“Seeing so many people willing to take the plunge for an amazing cause like Special Olympics is truly heartwarming,” said Adam Good, Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe’s General Manager. “While the park typically sits quietly over the winter, this is a great way that we can use our facility to help give back to our community.”

While the splashing and cheering at Wet ‘n Wild are silent again, until the park opens in May, the impacts of the Triad Chill Polar Plunge event will continue far longer.