Plunge FAQ
What is a Polar Plunge? The Plunge is one of Special Olympics Kentucky biggest fundraisers! Participants raise money ($100 if you're a 18 or older, $65 if you're 8-18) to jump into the icy pool!
Who does the Plunge benefit? Funds raised benefit Special Olympics Kentucky and will be used to provide year-round sports training and competition in 15 different sports, as well as comprehensive health screening programs for more than 11,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities. Learn more at SOKY.org.
How do I sign up? Visit LexingtonPlunge.com and select 'register now' and follow instructions on how to get your team or yourself registered.
Who can participate? Most importantly you must be in good physical health and over the age of 8. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by legal parent or guardian allowing them to participate.
How many people can be on a team? There is no limit to the number of people that can be on a team. The more the merrier!
How much does it cost to participate? You must raise a minimum of $100 to take the plunge! Jr. Plungers (ages 8-18), must raise $65. We have lots of tools to help you raise funds and even sample e-mails to make it easier and less time-consuming for you!
What do I wear? Costumes are encouraged! We recommend bringing a towel and a change of clothes for after your plunge. There are tents where you can change out of your wet clothes and into something dry and warm so you can stick around to cheer on your friends!
Can you earn prizes/incentives for fundraising? Yes, the more money you raise the more cool prizes you earn. Please refer to the Fundraising Prizes page under the Quick Link Tab for specifics.
Are awards given out? Yes, awards and bragging rights will be handed out to the winners of the following categories:
- Top Fundraising Teams in each of these categories: Community, Corporate/Civic, School/University and Public Safety
- Top Three Individual Fundraisers
- Top SOKY Athlete Fundraiser
- Top Three Costumes
What are the rules for the costume contest? You can be as creative as you want to be! Please be respectful and not wear anything vulgar, risqué, or suggestive costumes. Remember this is a FAMILY FRIENDLY event.
How is the costume contest judged? CROWD PARTIPCANTION! Costume contest winners will be awarded based on the loudest cheers from the crowd!
How do I know when to plunge? At check-in, you will receive a colored wrist band. The emcees will announce what color is plunging and you can also look on the board to see the colors in order. You have to be wearing the wristband in order to plunge.
Are pets allowed? We cannot allow any pets, except for service animals, for safety purposes.
Can I still fundraise even though I can’t make the Polar Plunge this year? YES! You can take a virtual Polar Plunge at home by registering as a Personal Plunger. Sign up, raise funds, and take a cold dip your way—whether it's an ice bath, kiddie pool, or hose spray—or skip the chill and just fundraise! (We won’t tell) Share your plunge pic or video with #ChillofaLifetime and tag @kypolarplunge by February 8th. Check out this how-to video!
What if my friend and family give me cash or checks instead of donating online?
No problem. You can mail them to the Kentucky office (105 Lakeview Court, Frankfort, KY 40601, Attn: Lexington Polar Plunge) at least one week prior to the event or you can bring them with you to the event and turn it in when registering. We will add it to your online fundraising totals. Please make checks payable to Special Olympics Kentucky, and be sure to note in the memo line of the check who the donation is going to so we can credit you/ your team!
***Still have a question that we didn’t answer? Please call or email Mallory at mjent@soky.org or 502-695-8222. We look forward to seeing you there!
