Special Olympics New York - Polar Plunge

10/21/2026

Why we plunge Hamilton College Baseball team:

The Hamilton College Baseball team is proud to participate in the Polar Plunge and support Special Olympics for another year! As student-athletes, we understand the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zones. These are the same values that make the Polar Plunge so meaningful to us. We are excited to come together as a team, embrace the cold, and make a difference for an incredible cause. Special Olympics provides life-changing opportunities for athletes of all abilities, and we are honored to play a small part in supporting their mission. This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Polar Plunge, and we are determined to make it our best year yet. For us, this is about more than jumping into freezing water. It is about standing together, giving back to our community, and supporting an organization that reminds us what sports are truly about: inclusion, determination, and the power of believing in one another. We are proud to represent Hamilton College Baseball and look forward to making a lasting impact, one plunge at a time!

Check out upcoming Polar Plunges Here: https://pulse.ly/lxaouxornr

10/19/2026

We’re counting down the days to this year’s Orange County Polar Plunge on Saturday, November 14 at Woodbury at the Rez, and we can’t wait!! 💦

Come brave the cold with us for an incredible cause! It’s not to late to rally your coworkers, friends and family, and join us in supporting our Special Olympics New York athletes!

Together, we’re building a more inclusive world, one plunge at a time.

Register today at https://events.nyso.org/site/TR?fr_id=3711&pg=entry

10/16/2026

10/11/2026

We had a blast at today’s Pepper Palooza! Big thank you to SLA Solutions and appétit for hosting and letting our Athletes be a part of it! See you next year!

10/09/2026

Today we stopped by William G. Houston Middle School/Lake Shore Middle School to present them with the Top Fundraising Middle School award from the Buffalo Plunge!

We are excited to announce we will be giving away a Middle School Scholarship this year thanks to your friends at First Student!

Register for the Buffalo Cool School Plunge at www.BuffaloPolarPlunge.com

10/08/2026

❄⛄❤️🤍PLUNGE WITH A PURPOSE!!❄⛄❤️🤍

Meet John Kochmanski. This is his second year Plunging at the Buffalo Polar Plunge and here is his why!

"My late mother, Marie Kochmanski, spent her life teaching me to be a fine young man — showing up for others, putting my best foot forward, and helping those in need whenever I could. She instilled those values in all six of her children. Volunteering, giving back, and supporting meaningful causes weren’t just things she encouraged; they were part of who she was.

Ironically — or maybe fatefully — the week before her passing was the first time I ever volunteered at the Buffalo Polar Plunge, handing out hoodies to participants. I didn’t know it then, but that moment would become the beginning of something much bigger.

When she passed unexpectedly on December 15th, 2022, our family was left heartbroken. I felt lost, searching for something that could keep her spirit alive. That’s when I realized the answer had been with me the whole time: carrying on her commitment to the Special Olympics, an organization she supported with genuine love.

Last year, I took my first plunge in her honor. It was emotional, meaningful, and healing. And after that first year, I made myself a promise — a promise to carry on her legacy by raising funds for an organization she deeply believed in: Special Olympics New York.

Special Olympics gives individuals with disabilities the chance to participate in sports, build confidence, and feel the joy of community. My mother believed in that mission wholeheartedly. Now, I plunge for her. I plunge for the athletes. I plunge for the values she taught me.

This is my Why. ❤️"

Thank you John for honoring your mother this way and helping so many of our Athletes!

It's not too late to find your why! Register for a Plunge near you by going to www.PolarPlungeNY.org today!

10/07/2026

📣Hey, Hudson Valley!

Registration is OPEN for the 2027 Special Olympics NY Hudson Valley Polar Plunge Weekend, happening February 25–28!

Grab your friends, family and coworkers and start building your team today!

• Thursday, February 25 Rondout Valley • Friday, February 26 Dutchess Community College
• Saturday, February 27 Heritage Financial Park • Sunday, February 28 Eastdale Village

Also, accept the TriFecta Challenge! Plunge three days throughout the weekend and earn an exclusive TriFecta medal.

Register today and start your Polar Plunge adventure! https://events.nyso.org/site/TR?fr_id=3821&pg=entry

10/06/2026

⛄❄The FIRST snowfall is here! ❄⛄

Never a better time to get the Thrill from the Chill than RIGHT NOW! Register for a Plunge near you by going to www.PolarPlungeNY.org today!

The First Snow of the Season Arrives in New York State

10/05/2026

It was a great day for the Special Olympics New York Hudson Valley Regional Fall Festival. Incredible softball competition, skill drills, and FunFitness. Congrats athletes & thanks to the volunteers, sponsors, coaches, families, and staff! 🙌

Remember, It’s the start of polar plunge season…Check out motivation pics below. These great sporting competitions and coaching opportunities could not happen without your fundraising and plunge support”. Pick your polar plunge here: https://events.nyso.org/site/TR?fr_id=2190&pg=entry







Hudson Valley Renegades
West Point - The U.S. Military Academy
New Hope Community, Inc.
Anderson Center for Autism
Beacon City School District
City of Beacon Recreation

10/02/2026

🚨 NEW PLUNGER ALERT 🚨

Meet Gary! He’s new to Plunging and he’s already sponsored an Athlete already! Check out his why 👇

“Well I’m somewhat new to Buffalo area (4 years) , and a friend mentioned the turkey trot and Polar Plunge being Buffalo Traditions; I’m all about experiencing local customs, so why not, and I’m helping a worthy cause in process too!”

Gary is also a volunteer at Southtowns Civil Air Patrol Cadet Squadron NY020. Thank you Gary for your support!!

Register for a Plunge near you at www.PolarPlungeNY.org today!