The Polar Bear Plunge is part of Maryland’s history. For the past 25 years, thousands of plungers have jumped into the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay all in support of Special Olympics Maryland. Your dedication to our 6,102 athletes is impactful and has created countless inclusion experiences across the state of Maryland. Help us reach our goal of $3.5 million this year and register for the 2022 Plunge! Click here to donate!
On Friday, March 25, 2022, Maryland State Police: Troopers, candidates and cadets represented the Maryland State Police well during the Police Plunge portion of the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge.
Various teams within the department raised close to $50,000 to benefit Special Olympics Maryland. This includes close to $16,000 by the 153rd Trooper Candidate Class, more than $11,000 by the MSPAC Flying Pigs and close to $10,000 by the 154th Trooper Candidate Class.
Also Cpl. Jeff Kelly of the Aviation Command was the event’s top individual plunger, as he raised more than $9,500.
Donations to the Polar Bear Plunge help to provide year-round sports and leadership programs free of charge to the 6,102 athletes of Special Olympics Maryland.
La Plata Volunteer Police Department: Members of LPPD were “freezing for a reason” at the 26th Annual Polar Bear Police Plunge at Sandy Point State Park. Hundreds of law enforcement officers and other first responders from around the region participated in today’s plunge.
LPPD’s teams met its goal of $500 for Special Olympics Maryland. Thank you to everyone who donated to LPPD’s team.
Gov. Larry Hogan: Governor Larry Hogan was joined by nearly 1,500 members of law enforcement, EMS, and first responders from across the state for the 26th annual Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics Maryland.
“I want to sincerely thank the hundreds of dedicated Maryland police officers, military, fire, and first responders who are participating in this year’s Police Plunge,” said Governor Hogan. “On behalf of the great State of Maryland, thank you for your service each and every day, and for your commitment to this great cause.”
The governor presented the 7th annual Jimmy Myrick Jr. Governor’s Courage Award to Special Olympics athlete Desiree Holland, who has been a Special Olympics Maryland athlete for 42 years. Holland has competed in track and field, aquatics, and cycling. She has won multiple awards and honors, including a gold medal in the 25 meter butterfly at the 2019 Special Olympics.
The Jimmy Myrick Jr. Governor’s Courage Award honors the memory of Jimmy Myrick, Jr., a Special Olympian who the governor became close with while they were both being treated for cancer at the University of Maryland Medical Center.
In a surprise announcement, Governor Hogan was presented with the Champions Award for his support of Special Olympics Maryland, which provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Since 1997, the Maryland State Police has partnered with Special Olympics to host the Polar Bear Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Maryland.
The Polar Bear Plunge is the largest single-event fundraiser in the history of Special Olympics Maryland. This year’s plunge is expected to raise more than $3.5 million, which will support more than 6,100 Maryland children and adults who participate in Special Olympics Maryland.
