Aiken Polar Plunge Raises Funds for Special Olympics

Annual event supports year-round training and competition for over 30,000 Special Olympics athletes in South Carolina.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The annual Polar Plunge event in Aiken, South Carolina raised money for Special Olympics South Carolina. The fundraiser helps cover costs for year-round training and competition for the state's over 30,000 Special Olympics athletes.

Why it matters

The Polar Plunge is a key fundraiser that enables Special Olympics South Carolina to provide athletic opportunities and support for thousands of individuals with intellectual disabilities across the state.

The details

Participants braved the cold waters on Sunday to take the Polar Plunge, an annual event that raises money for Special Olympics South Carolina. The funds go directly to supporting the athletes, covering costs like uniforms, equipment, and travel to competitions.

  • The Polar Plunge took place on Sunday, March 2, 2026.

The players

Special Olympics South Carolina

A state chapter of the global Special Olympics organization that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Jonathan Calore

A Law Enforcement Torch Run officer who helped organize the Polar Plunge event.

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What they’re saying

“That way it goes directly back to them. Doesn't pay to turn the lights on, pay anybody's salary, anything like that. It's just strictly for things for our athletes to be able to compete. So uniforms, equipment, pays for travel for them to get to games in different places.”

— Jonathan Calore, Law Enforcement Torch Run officer (WRDW)

The takeaway

The Polar Plunge is a vital fundraiser that enables Special Olympics South Carolina to provide life-changing athletic and social opportunities for thousands of individuals with intellectual disabilities across the state.