2026 Polar Plunge® dates announced!
Join us and hundreds of other brave souls across the state for the coolest thing you'll do in 2026. Whether you jump, run, or tiptoe in you'll be helping us build a bigger, better and COOLER community for 18,000+ Special Olympics athletes.
CLICK HERE FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Join us and hundreds of other brave souls across the state for the coolest thing you'll do in 2026. Whether you jump, run, or tiptoe in you'll be helping us build a bigger, better and COOLER community for 18,000+ Special Olympics athletes.
CLICK HERE FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Find Your Local Polar Plunge®
Choose a plunge location, then follow the easy steps to register and begin fundraising!
Important Update Regarding Pigeon Forge Polar Plunge:
The Pigeon Forge Polar Plunge scheduled for January 24 has been canceled. We are incredibly grateful for the support of our plungers and invite Pigeon Forge participants to visit the Plunge page for more information about alternative ways to be Freezin' for a Reason.
Important Update Regarding Pigeon Forge Polar Plunge:
The Pigeon Forge Polar Plunge scheduled for January 24 has been canceled. We are incredibly grateful for the support of our plungers and invite Pigeon Forge participants to visit the Plunge page for more information about alternative ways to be Freezin' for a Reason.
Important Forms
These forms are available to download.
Polar Plunge Waiver
Plungers younger than 18 years of age will need a parent or guardian signature
Polar Plunge Videos
Videos from previous Polar Plunges
2023 Music City Polar Plunge
On Now
On Now
2023 Cheatham County Polar Plunge
On Now
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Polar Plunge®?
Polar Plunge® is a fun, chilly fundraising event where participants brave cold water by jumping, running, or tiptoeing into raise funds that support Special Olympics Tennessee athletes and programs. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned plunger, you’re Freezin’ for a Reason!
When and where does it take place?
Polar Plunge events are held at multiple locations across Tennessee in January and February each year. You can find your local plunge above and register online through our the Polar Plunge page in your area.
Who can participate in Polar Plunge?
Participants of all ages are welcome!
If you’re under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your event waiver before you plunge.
Age 6 and younger must have a parent or guardian plunge into the water with them.
Ages 7 to 12 must have a parent or guardian on site, but they do not have to plunge.
Ages 13 to 17 must have a parent or guardian sign the wavier and they do not need to be present for the child to plunge.
If you’re under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your event waiver before you plunge.
Age 6 and younger must have a parent or guardian plunge into the water with them.
Ages 7 to 12 must have a parent or guardian on site, but they do not have to plunge.
Ages 13 to 17 must have a parent or guardian sign the wavier and they do not need to be present for the child to plunge.
Is there a fundraising requirement?
Yes! Each participant is encouraged to raise a minimum of $75 to plunge. Students need to raise $50 to plunge. All proceeds directly support Special Olympics Tennessee athletes.
What do I get for fundraising?
Every Polar Plunge participant scores the official Polar Plunge medal, but the more you raise, the cooler it gets:
$200 raised → Polar Plunge towel
$500 raised →Owala water bottle
$1,000 raised →Both the towel and Owala water bottle
$200 raised → Polar Plunge towel
$500 raised →Owala water bottle
$1,000 raised →Both the towel and Owala water bottle
What should I wear or bring with me?
Dress for the cold — people often plunge in swimsuits, costumes, or layers you don’t mind getting wet! Bring warm clothes and towels for after your plunge.
PRO TIP: Wear baggy clothes that will be easy to change out of when wet and bring a pair of sandals or flip flops to wear while walking between the changing tent and the stage!
PRO TIP: Wear baggy clothes that will be easy to change out of when wet and bring a pair of sandals or flip flops to wear while walking between the changing tent and the stage!
What do I do when I arrive at the Plunge?
- Head to the registration area at your Plunge location.
- Claim your plunger wristband and any incentives you earned.
- Get your costume ready for Plunge time.
- Take the Plunge!
Do I need to sign a waiver?
Yes — all participants, including minors (signed by a parent/guardian), must sign a waiver to take part. Waivers may be completed online or at check-in on event day.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Special Olympics Tennessee is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email donation receipt as your official record. We'll send it to you upon successful completion of your donation.
Can I plunge with the other people on my team?
Absolutely! We allow 6 participants to jump in the pool at the same time. If you have more than 6 plungers on your team, you can all take the stage together for your team photo and break-up into groups for plunging.
I'm too chicken to plunge. Can I still participate?
Some of our Plunge locations offer the Too Chicken to Plunge, where you can join in on the fun without the cold. Too Chicken plungers dip their toes into the “Too Chicken Pool” and receive a Too Chicken to Plunge t-shirt. Chicken plungers must also raise a minimum of $75 to participate.
Will there be food and beverages on-site?
Some plunges will have food vendors, like food trucks, on-site available for purchase. Please note that the consumption of alcohol BEFORE you take the plunge is strongly discouraged.
