The first Cheatham County Polar Plunge raised over $23,000 (Photo: Bill Clark)
Last year, Special Olympics Cheatham County hosted its first-ever polar plunge. In a pool set up at Riverbluff Park in Ashland City, 150 plungers helped raise over $23,000 to support local athletes, both with and without disabilities, to participate in sporting events across Tennessee and the world. This time around, the organization is aiming to double those numbers.
The next plunge will take place January 20, 2024, at Riverbluff Park. Registration will begin at 9:00AM, and plunging begins at 10:00AM. While plenty of entertainment can be found by watching the plunge, the event will also boast a chili cook-off and silent auction.
To sign up, click here.
What is a Polar Plunge?
Polar Plunges occur during the winter months when participants enter a body of water despite the low temperature.
Is it Safe?
To ensure safety during the plunge, Special Olympics Cheatham County works with local first responders who provide certified law enforcement and water-rescue services. Park staff will also be present during the event.
How Does it Benefit Local Schools?
The Cheatham County School District has recently become a unified district, resulting in a significant increase in student participation. To support this growth, each school that participates in the event will receive half of what they raise to go back toward their Unified Special Olympics Club.Â
Can I Help if I Don't Plunge?
If you are interested in helping but do not want to plunge, there are still many ways to help and participate.
New this year: Chili Cook-off. Bowls, hotdogs, buns, and toppings are needed.
New this year: Silent Auction. Companies and organizations can prepare an item for attendees to bid on.Â
Supply items for the event (food for the hospitality tent, volunteers, awards, and prizes)Â
Request and complete a sponsorship packet. The deadline to sponsor the event is December 15 to allow sufficient time to prepare artwork and signage.
Donate by clicking here.
Dance to the "chicken dance" song and splash around in a small kiddie pool in the "Too Chicken to Plunge" event.
