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The goal of the plunge, which has become a huge hit with police officers and others throughout the state, is to help provide free year-round training and competition in 24 Olympic-type sports to more than 22,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities, through the Special Olympics New Jersey program.
The rope will be dropped on the Seaside Heights beach at 1 p.m. Feb. 25, when an already-enlisted throng of more than 5,000 fundraisers will bolt into the icy Atlantic.
The event is sponsored by the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey, a volunteer effort by the law enforcement community that has raised more than $10 million the past 18 years through pledges collected by participants and donations from sponsors. Last year’s Torch Run took in more than $2.7 million.
But it won’t be only cops.
Plungers overs the years have ranged from 6 years old to those in their mid-70s, and have included mayors, police chiefs, high school clubs, fraternities and families.
It’s a huge draw, too, with thousands of spectators turning out.
Although registration closes this Sunday, donations are accepted right up to the plunge itself.
Plungers who raise certain amounts receive gifts that ran from bathrobes and travel bags to personalized varsity-style jackets.
MORE INFO: NJ Polar Plunge
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