Polar Plunge

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Special Olympics Wisconsin

2018 Polar Plungers.

media release: Special Olympics Wisconsin supporters across southwest Wisconsin will head to Vilas Park and the Henry Vilas Zoo Friday & Saturday, February 13 & 14, for the 2026 Polar Plunge® for Special Olympics Wisconsin, presented by Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Wisconsin.

This year’s Madison event features a new way to plunge—via a mobile plunge unit. This large container-like pool will provide a controlled, yet fun and unique way to support Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes and programming on Friday.

The Madison Polar Plunge® kicks off at Vilas Park Beach (1501 Vilas Park Dr., Madison) with the Cool Schools Plunge at 10 a.m., followed by Corporate Teams and LETR partners Friday afternoon (2-4 pm). Friday’s VIP Plunge Party (3-6 pm) will feature live music from the Trophy Husbands at Henry Vilas Zoo’s Glacier Grille. Saturday’s traditional plunge into Lake Wingra kicks off at noon. The weekend will include music, photo moments with Chilly Bear, food and beverage options, and plenty of fun memories while raising funds for Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes.

Plungers who raise the minimum $100 will receive the official Polar Plunge® shirt with unique design for 2026. Raising more can earn additional incentives, all of which will be available for pickup throughout Friday’s plunge.

Madison is one of six in-person Polar Plunge® locations across the state. Other events this winter include Fox Valley, Milwaukee, Wausau, La Crosse, and Chippewa Valley. A do-it-yourself Alternative Plunge option is also available for interested participants.

More information can be found at PlungeWI.org.

The Polar Plunge® is Special Olympics Wisconsin’s largest annual grassroots fundraiser—all funds raised for this unique winter tradition go directly to Special Olympics Wisconsin, helping thousands of statewide SOWI athletes train and compete at the state, national, and international level. The event also supports year-round health and wellness programs, leadership development, and Unified Champion School initiatives that enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID).

The Madison Polar Plunge® is sponsored by IBEW Wisconsin, JP Cullen, Kriete Truck Centers, State Collections, Tug’s Bar & Grill, Gordon Flesch, National Guardian Life, Quarles, Exact Sciences, Lakeland Care, Luxe Productions, Madison Gas & Electric, Night Owl Support System, Summit Credit Union, and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Wisconsin.

For more information about Special Olympics Wisconsin, visit SpecialOlympicsWisconsin.org.