Dare County Special Olympics invites residents and visitors throughout the community to take part in the annual OBX Polar Plunge—a unique fundraising opportunity for individuals, organizations and businesses in support of local Special Olympics athletes—which will take place beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Jennette's Pier in Nags Head. 

Why participate in the Polar Plunge? Individuals with intellectual disabilities encounter adversities daily, and they consistently demonstrate the courage it takes to succeed at many things that don’t come easily. Dare County Special Olympics athletes bravely face challenges on the field, in the pool and on the court, and they are the inspiration for this unique event. The funds raised from the Polar Plunge will provide year-round sports training, competition, leadership opportunities and health services to Special Olympics athletes in our community. Be “brrrr-ave” and register to take the Polar Plunge to show your support!

The schedule of events for the 2026 Polar Plunge on Saturday, February 28, 2026 will be as follows:

9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. — Check-in & Registration
(All participants must sign a waiver and attain a wristband to plunge, regardless of pre-registration status. Participants may also opt to check in the evening before the event, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026 at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head). 

11 a.m. — Opening Ceremony & Awards

11:30 a.m. — Polar Plunge Begins!
(Due to the large number of registrants, the plunge will take place in three 10-minute rounds.)

All registered plungers will receive a local “I Plunged at Jennette’s Pier” t-shirt and wristband at check-in. Awards will also be presented to Polar Plunge participants in the following categories:

• Best Individual Costume
• Best Team Costume
• Cool Schools Top Team Fundraising Prize
• Largest Plunge Team Award
• Top Individual Fundraiser
• Top Team Fundraiser

In addition to the plunge and award ceremony, the event will also include several raffles for the registered plungers, a photo booth, Special Olympics merchandise sales, and live radio broadcasting on East Carolina Radio stations and 99.1 The Sound, as well as coffee and hot chocolate for the plungers.

Image of volunteers and plunge participants preparing to run into the water.

Volunteers Needed

Dare County Special Olympics is still seeking day-of event volunteers to assist with parking, registration, donations, tent management, awards and refreshments. If you are interested in volunteering at this event, please contact Dare County Special Olympics Program Coordinator Sandy Pace at Dare@SONC.net by Friday, February 13, 2026. 

The public is invited—and encouraged!—to attend this event, both as “plungers” or as bystanders to cheer on the brave individuals who plunge into the ocean in support of a great cause. Special Olympics volunteers will also be onsite during the event to accept cash or credit card donations.  

To register to participate in the Dare County Special Olympics Polar Plunge, please visit DareNC.gov/PolarPlunge. Individuals may register online or make a donation to an existing registrant or team on this website leading up to the event on Saturday, February 28, 2026.*

*Please note that all who pre-register online must still check in at the registration table to sign a printed waiver and attain a wristband.

About the Dare County Special Olympics:

From bocce ball, bowling, golf, soccer and basketball to cheerleading, tennis, swimming, track and field, and equestrian, the Dare County Special Olympics offers Outer Banks athletes ages 8 and older the opportunity to develop physical fitness, enhance their athletic abilities, forge new friendships and enjoy a sense of social inclusion by helping them to connect with other athletes, coaches and volunteers in the Dare County community. For more information, visit DareNC.gov/SpecialOlympics.