See photos of fundraisers braving the chilly Potomac River.
WASHINGTON — Supporters of the Special Olympics in Northern Virginia braved the chilly waters along the Potomac River in Dumfries last Saturday.
They jumped into the chilly water and raised $95,000 for the charity.
The Polar Plunge is one of the organization’s signature fundraising events each year. They also put on the Plane Pull at Dulles Airport each September.
Participants in the 16th Northern Virginia Special Olympics Polar Plunge raised $95,000 for Special Olympics programs.
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia
Participants worked to raise money for the event. The minimum? $100.
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia
Before the event, participants were judged in a costume contest. This group portrayed WWF characters from the past.
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia
Other costumes included well-known emojis.
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia
A character from “Toy Story” made an appearance in the costume contest.
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia
Members of the Prince William County police looked on.
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia
Plungers took turns jumping into the Potomac along the Dumfries, Virginia, coastline.
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia
About 250 people participated in the Northern Virginia Polar Plunge to raise money for the Special Olympics.
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia
While it was not an especially cold day, with highs in the 50s, the water temperature was in the 30s.
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia
Participants enjoyed themselves despite the cold water.
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia
A plunger dressed as a famous Dr. Seuss character.
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia
What is the “wet smiley face” emoji?
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia
Fundraising events continue for Special Olympics throughout the year, culminating with the Plane Pull at Dulles Airport in September.
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia
The funds raised go to help people with intellectual disabilities play sports and get access to health care.
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
Dan Friedell is a digital writer for WTOP. He came to the D.C. area in 2007 to work as digital editor for USATODAY.com, and since then has worked for a number of local and national news organizations.
