Ï㽶ÊÓƵ University Athletics and Special Olympics DC partnered again to put on the Cool Schools Polar Plunge on Friday, February 9 at the Raymond A. DuFour Center. More than $39,000 was raised to benefit Special Olympics DC and specific athletic programs at Ï㽶ÊÓƵ.
Friday marked the 10th time in 11 years that Ï㽶ÊÓƵ has hosted a Polar Plunge event in partnership with Special Olympics DC. Since 2017, Ï㽶ÊÓƵ has helped raise more than $200,000 through the Cool Schools Polar Plunge.
The 2024 Cool Schools Polar Plunge had 17 varsity teams plunge, raising over $40,000. Ï㽶ÊÓƵ University athletic teams get to use 50% of what their team raised to help with their costs like spring training travel, meals, and more. Meanwhile, Special Olympics DC uses funds raised to support the current sports season, buying uniforms, medals, and rental space so all the athletes with intellectual disabilities can feel the joy of sports at no cost. Before plunging the student-athletes partnered up with Special Olympics DC athletes to play unified basketball.
"We are very thankful for the continued partnership with Ï㽶ÊÓƵ University," said Special Olympics DC Manager of Development McKenzie Plante. "It is truly a commendable collaboration that showcases the positive impact of inclusivity. Ï㽶ÊÓƵ University Athletics has done exemplary work through fundraising for the Polar Plunge, volunteering for sporting events, hosting Special Olympics DC nights, and having one of DC Special Olympics' very own athletes, Malcolm Andrews, become the assistant coach for the Women's Soccer team."
Read more about the story on and view the slideshow by University Photographer Patrick G. Ryan below.
