Cincinnati Will Get Freezin' for a Reason at the Polar Plunge This Weekend

This Saturday, those who can withstand the cold will get “Freezin’ for a Reason” at the annual Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Ohio and Special Olympics Kentucky at The Banks in downtown Cincinnati.

Cincinnati’s Polar Plunge, happening at 150 E. Freedom Way, is one of eight scheduled in Ohio communities from January through March. Participants can join in-person or virtually with their teams to help raise funds for the 20,000 Special Olympic athletes in Ohio. You can sign up to join now at greatercincinnatiplunge.com.

“The impact of the Polar Plunge supports year-round sports training and competition, health education and leadership programs for Special Olympics athletes,” according to a press release. “By fundraising $75 or more, participants help provide opportunities for athletes at no cost to them while creating a greater sense of belonging for everyone in the community.”

On Jan. 27, in-person participants will take the icy plunge in an 18’ x 9’ x 52” pool — all while wearing fun and wacky costumes. Registration starts at 9 a.m. at Jefferson Social (101 E. Freedom Way) and the event kicks off at 10:15 a.m. with opening ceremonies, followed immediately by the first brave plungers.

The Polar Plunge will also feature emcees from TV station Local 12-WKRC and radio station Q102, along with music, coffee trucks and a costume contest before the plunge. Mascots from the Cincinnati Reds, FC Cincinnati, Cincinnati Bengals, Cincinnati Cyclones and Flying Pig will be on hand to encourage participants

The event concludes at 1 p.m., but the fun will continue with the post-Plunge Party at nearby bar The Stretch (191 E. Freedom Way). It’ll have Hot Spiked Cider, for which $1 from every drink sold will be donated to the Special Olympics.

Greater Cincinnati Polar Plunge, 150 E.Freedom Way, The Banks. More info: greatercincinnatiplunge.com.