Freezin’ for a Reason: Northeast Polar Plunge Unites Community for Special Olympics
By: Brad Loff | Sportzwire | January 27, 2025 | Photo courtesy BL Sports Photography.com
Over two unforgettable days—January 24 and 25, 2025—Montage Mountain became the heart of a frosty celebration as the Northeast Polar Plunge brought together thrill-seekers, community members, and local businesses to support Special Olympics Pennsylvania Region. Presented by Northeast PA Center for Independent Living (MyCIL), the event was a testament to community unity and inclusion. While the plunges into icy waters provided plenty of excitement, the real warmth came from the shared mission of inclusion, teamwork, and uplifting individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Day One: Cool Schools Lead the Charge
The festivities kicked off with the “Cool Schools” Polar Plunge on Friday, as students displayed waves of enthusiasm and bravery. Watching them cheer each other on and embrace the chill was a testament to the power of youth in creating an inclusive world. Entire classrooms arrived in themed costumes, chanting slogans in support of their peers involved in the Special Olympics. Many students described the event as an honor, knowing their efforts would directly support programs promoting camaraderie and sportsmanship for those often marginalized.
“I’ll definitely be back next year,” said one jumper, dripping from the plunge but grinning ear to ear. “It’s cold, but it’s worth it.”
Day Two: A Community Comes Together
On Saturday, the energy reached new heights as teams from local organizations, businesses, and colleges joined the fun. Jumpin’ Jeff Walker and his co-host Kristen from 98.5 KRZ were among the first to leap into the frigid waters, setting a lively tone for the day. Froggy 101, EJ the DJ, and local teams like Penn East, Marywood University’s soccer team, and the NEPA Builders followed suit, each adding their unique flair to the icy challenge. One NEPA Builder even showed off his backstroke skills, stealing the spotlight (and plenty of laughs).
Adding star power to the plunge, Penn State football captain Dominic DeLuca and his teammate Blaise Sokach-Minnick—both Wyoming Area graduates—joined the cause, demonstrating their grit both on and off the field. Other teams, including the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and Montage Mountain staff, participated, showcasing the region’s unity and dedication to this meaningful cause.
A Celebration Beyond the Water
The event wasn’t just about plunging; it was a full-fledged celebration. Music pumped from tents hosted by Sheetz, Christian’s Crayons for Autism, Amazon, 98.5 KRZ, Froggy 101, WaWa and EJ the DJ. Families warmed up with hot chocolate while enjoying giveaways and camaraderie. Skiers and snowboarders passing through couldn’t resist stopping to join the fun, with many vowing to brave the plunge next year.
As the weekend wrapped up, the atmosphere was one of accomplishment, unity, and inspiration. The Northeast Polar Plunge not only raised funds but also showcased the best of what a community can achieve when it rallies behind a cause.
Both days combined featured over 500 jumpers, each playing a role in making this event unforgettable.
The Takeaway
The Polar Plunge wasn’t just an event; it was a reminder of the power of inclusion and the joy of giving. From the young students plunging for the first time to seasoned athletes and business leaders, everyone came together for a common purpose: to make the world a better, more accepting place for people of all abilities. And in the smiles of the Special Olympics athletes, the shivers and splashes found their true meaning.
For those who braved the cold or stood by cheering, the plunge was a small price to pay for the warmth it brought to so many lives. As the community looks forward to next year’s plunge, one thing is certain: it will be another event to remember—and another opportunity to celebrate the incredible athletes who inspire us all.
A Special Thanks
This incredible event would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the volunteers and staff at Special Olympics Pennsylvania Northeast. Their dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to the athletes and the cause ensured every detail ran smoothly. To all the businesses, organizations, and individuals who donated their time and resources to make this event such a success, your efforts did more than support a cause—you made a difference in countless lives.
