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Statesville Today
By the People, for the People
Polar Plunge Raises Over $31,000 for Special Olympics Iredell County
Annual fundraiser sees strong community support in North Carolina
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
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The Special Olympics Iredell County held its annual Polar Plunge fundraiser on Saturday morning at the Statesville Leisure Pool. Supporters donated $75 to slide or jump into the chilly water, raising a total of $31,300 for the local nonprofit organization. Local coordinator Bobbi Williams expressed gratitude for the strong turnout, noting that the organization relies entirely on donations and grants to provide free services to its athletes.
Why it matters
The Polar Plunge is a crucial annual fundraiser for the Special Olympics Iredell County, which provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. As a nonprofit, the organization depends on community support and donations to offer these life-changing programs at no cost to its athletes.
The details
Participants paid a $75 registration fee to take the plunge into the cold water at the Statesville Leisure Pool. The Statesville Fire Department was the top fundraising team for the event. Local coordinator Bobbi Williams emphasized that the organization never charges its athletes for anything and relies entirely on donations and grant funding.
- The Polar Plunge took place on Saturday, February 15, 2026.
The players
Bobbi Williams
The local coordinator for Special Olympics Iredell County.
Statesville Fire Department
The top fundraising team for the Polar Plunge event.
What they’re saying
“We completely rely on donations and grant writing. We never charge our athletes for anything.”
— Bobbi Williams, Local coordinator (iredellfreenews.com)
The takeaway
The Polar Plunge demonstrates the strong community support for the Special Olympics Iredell County and its mission to provide life-changing sports programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities at no cost. The organization's reliance on donations underscores the importance of continued local engagement and fundraising efforts to sustain these vital services.
