20th Annual Wildwood Polar Bear Plunge Set for Jan. 17

Special Olympics New Jersey will host its 20th annual Polar Bear Plunge in Wildwood on Jan. 17, 2026, at 1 p.m. The beach behind the Wildwood Convention Center at 4501 Boardwalk serves as the location. People will jump into the Atlantic Ocean to raise money for programs that help athletes with disabilities.

Registration runs from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. inside the convention center. Spectators can watch for free, but participants must raise specific amounts of money to qualify.

"Now I'm Ready Bear" participants must raise at least $110 by Dec. 31, 2025. "Better Late Than Never Bear" participants need to collect $120 by Jan. 16, 2026. Day-of registration for "Almost Missed It Bear" participants requires a $125 minimum donation.

Early registration is available at www.PlungeWildwood.org. Participants can wear costumes. They can bring props and make banners.

A new 2026 option allows supporters to register as "Wave Makers" without entering the water. This registration includes a 20th-anniversary commemorative shirt and recognition as an official supporter.

After the plunge, participants and children under 12 can get a free lunch inside the convention center. The event will recognize the top three individual fundraisers and the top three fundraising teams.

Special Olympics New Jersey offers year-round sports training, competitions, leadership opportunities, and health screenings for thousands of athletes. Programs and services are free thanks to fundraising events like this one.

The New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run sponsors the event. The group hosts major fundraising events across the state, pulling in more than $4 million each year for Special Olympics New Jersey athletes.

Additional sponsors include the New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police, Wawa, and the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority.