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Polar Bear Plunge

January 21, 2012 by · Comments Off on Polar Bear Plunge 

Polar Bear Plunge, This year marks the 16th annual Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge. Held on January 28, 2012, the PBP is an icy-cold, winter dip into the Chesapeake Bay on the beaches on Sandy Point State Park. I have participated in the insane plunge for the past seven years, next Saturday will make it my eighth. Now, you may ask yourself, “who in their right mind would jump into freezing cold water in a bikini during JANUARY?” Good question! Well, I’m just the girl to answer.

The PBP is held every year by the Maryland State Police to help raise money for the Special Olympics of Maryland. Most do it for the chance to say that they are a good person or to help out those athletes who may not be able to participate in the winter and summer games due to a mental or physical handicap. I do it for both reasons, AND to help out my family.

My cousin Sarah, who suffers from an anxiety disorder, competes in the Special Olympics. Several years ago, she went to Ireland to participate in the summer Special Olympics for horseback riding and came home with the gold. Not being a “normal” athlete, she never got praise for her hard work and determination, as some athletes often do. When I heard about this fundraiser from my dad a couple years later, I jumped at the chance to try it. Once I did, I fell in love.

Yes, I might be insane, but there is just something about all the energy and excitement that gets me going. It’s not just a plunge, it’s a concert, a chance to meet the Baltimore Ravens, a chance participate in Little Miss and Miss Polar Bear Plunge. You get a chance to chill out in heated tents doing various activities from shopping to racing pigs until it’s your time to dunk. The overall experience is just amazing. How many times will you walk on a beach in JANUARY in your bathing suit taking pictures with storm troopers and Joe Flacco?

So, give it a try. All you need to do is visit http://plungemd.com/ to register and raise a minimum of $50. In return you get prizes, memories, food, and the chance to make several athletes lives. You may freeze your behind off, but trust me, it’s so worth it!

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