Orlando polar plunge raises funds for Special Olympics Florida athletes
Updated: 6:01 PM EST Feb 14, 2026
Hundreds of people gathered at Aquatica Orlando on Saturday for the 16th annual Orlando Polar Plunge, hosted by Special Olympics Florida, to support athletes with disabilities.Participants were challenged to “get cold, be bold” by jumping into the chilly waters, with all proceeds benefiting more than 80,000 athletes across the state.The money helps fund fitness training, education, and athletic competition, as well as social, life, and leadership skills for children and adults.WESH 2’s Meredith McDonough and Jason Guy served as emcees for the event.”It is such a special day, hundreds of people coming together and sure we jump into some cold water, but really it’s the mission we are for, and what’s important to us, for over 85,000 athletes across the state,” they said.Special Olympics Florida said they have raised more than $183,000.
ORLANDO, Fla. —
Hundreds of people gathered at Aquatica Orlando on Saturday for the 16th annual Orlando Polar Plunge, hosted by Special Olympics Florida, to support athletes with disabilities.
Participants were challenged to “get cold, be bold” by jumping into the chilly waters, with all proceeds benefiting more than 80,000 athletes across the state.
The money helps fund fitness training, education, and athletic competition, as well as social, life, and leadership skills for children and adults.
WESH 2’s Meredith McDonough and Jason Guy served as emcees for the event.
“It is such a special day, hundreds of people coming together and sure we jump into some cold water, but really it’s the mission we are for, and what’s important to us, for over 85,000 athletes across the state,” they said.
Special Olympics Florida said they have raised more than $183,000.