Delaware polar plunge shatters records

A record number of participants raised a record amount for Special Olympics Delaware by jumping in the warmest ocean water on record for the plunge.

This year’s warm winter kept the ocean temperature at a balmy 47 degrees, but the relatively warm water didn’t keep some participants in the plunge from screaming out as they dipped in the Atlantic Ocean.  The air temperature was 42 degrees, just slightly higher than the 20-year average of 39 degrees.

“It was another remarkable year, which just goes to show you the support the community has for the 3,500 Special Olympics athletes here in Delaware,” said Jon Buzby, spokesman for Special Olympics Delaware.  3,685 “polar bears” dipped, waded, and or dunked in the ocean.  They raised more than $650,000 for Special Olympics.

The annual event has raised more than $6.15 million over the past 21 years.

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