Virginia Beach, VA – February 7, 2026 – The colony flocked to Virginia Beach this weekend for the 2026 Polar Plunge — and boy did they make waves! A record-breaking 5,432 plungers, runners and Cool Schoolers raised an incredible $1.7 million — also record-breaking! — for Special Olympics Virginia. Once again, plungers proved that when it comes to supporting inclusion, courage knows no temperature.
“The Polar Plunge shows what’s possible when a community comes together for inclusion,” said Special Olympics Virginia President & CEO David Thomason. “Every plunger, every volunteer and every dollar raised helps open doors for our athletes to train, compete and belong. This weekend proves that generosity is stronger than any winter chill.”
Highlights from the Coolest Weekend of the Year:
- Photos from the weekend!
- Students Take the Plunge: On Friday (Feb. 6), 953 students and teachers conquered the Cool School Challenge, sponsored by WVEC 13 News Now, and raised more than $106,000 for 23,000+ Special Olympics Virginia athletes. Special shout-out to Parker Harding from Plaza Middle School, this year’s top student fundraiser.
- Light It Up: Friday evening’s 5K Glow Run/Waddle, sponsored by WAVY TV10, Coastal Cocktails and Sinclair Communications, saw 976 runners, walkers and waddlers lighting up the boardwalk in style.
- Party on the Beach: The Pre-Plunge Party rocked the shore with live music from DJ Julian and plunge-themed drinks courtesy of WAVY TV 10, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Coastal Cocktails, Red Bull and Commonwealth Brewing.
- Costumes Galore: Saturday’s Boardwalk Costume Parade brought creativity to a whole new level, with penguins, superheroes, polar bears and more strutting their stuff.
Top Fundraising Stars:
- Ice Kings & Queens: Team Ice-aholics raised an impressive $73,000, snagging the top team fundraising award.
- Chill Champion: Robert Bell with The Highland Yetis took the crown as top individual fundraiser, bringing in $21,300 – talk about icy dedication!
This year’s festival was presented by The Wawa Foundation, Virginia Natural Gas, WTKR News 3, 106.9 the FOX, FM99, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Virginia, Virginia Tourism Corporation, the Virginia Knights of Columbus, and many other cool partners.
Since 1993, Polar Plunge events have raised more than $24.5 million for Special Olympics Virginia, proving that a little chill can lead to a whole lot of change.