Published February 27. 2026 07:07AM
Instead of the usual frigid plunge into the Delaware River at Scott Park in Easton, participants in this year’s Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s annual Lehigh Valley Polar Plunge event jumped into pools placed on the parking lot of Coca-Cola Park Feb. 21.
The event was filled with free food, fun games for plungers and non-plungers alike, a costume contest, opening remarks and of course, brave supporters plunging into cold water.
The event is an important fundraiser which supports local Special Olympics Pennsylvania athletes. The monetary donations help to provide sports training, competitions and other opportunities for the athletes.
Special Olympics Pennsylvania will be sending more than 100 athletes and coaches to the USA Games to compete in 11 sports this June.
At time of the opening ceremony, $183,000 was raised toward their goal of $190,000.
PRESS PHOTOS BY TABITHA SCHADEParticipants in this year’s Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics gather for a group photo Feb. 21 at Coca-Cola Park.
Another supporter of Special Olympics, Jersey Mike’s, hands out subs to all the plungers in attendance. On March 25, 100% of sales at Jersey Mike’s will benefit Special Olympics in honor of the Day of Giving.
Scoring a nine in the costume contest, Coach Jerry assembles his look from assorted materials in his Halloween bin.
Lehigh Valley residents join hundreds across the state to brave the cold temperatures and even cooler water by participating in the event to benefit Special Olympics Pennsylvania.
