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Hundreds do Va. polar plunge to raise money for Special Olympics (Photos)

Dan Friedell | dfriedell@wtop.com

February 27, 2018, 2:20 PM

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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.

(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
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
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
Participants worked to raise money for the event. The minimum? $100. (Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
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
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
Other costumes included well-known emojis. (Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
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
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
Members of the Prince William County police looked on. (Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
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
(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
(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
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
Participants enjoyed themselves despite the cold water. (Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
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
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
What is the “wet smiley face” emoji? (Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
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
(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)
Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia
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(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
(Courtesy Special Olympics Virginia)
Dan Friedell

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.

dfriedell@wtop.com

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