Hundreds turned out for Eden Prairie’s 18th annual Polar Plunge earlier this month, raising more than $185,000 for Special Olympics Minnesota.
The plunge was held March 8 at Riley Lake Park and emceed by Omaur Bliss of RhodeyStark Events.
Historically, the Eden Prairie Polar Plunge has raised more than $2 million for Special Olympics Minnesota. This year’s event featured 550 participants and 70 teams.
Abby Pearson was the top individual fundraiser, collecting more than $4,000. The Minnetonka Rotary Club raised $22,702 with 22 plungers. Western Wings – the largest team, with 50 participants – brought in $31,940.
All proceeds support Special Olympics Minnesota, whose mission is to “create a new world of inclusion and acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities.” The organization provides year-round sports training and competitions for more than 7,800 athletes statewide.
Among the groups who took the plunge were the Chanhassen High School cheerleading team. Their coach said the team participated because they “want to get out in the community and do more volunteer activities.”
Another highlight was a group of 8- and 9-year-old girls in princess dresses who plunged for the first time. They said they did it because they “wanted to be proud of themselves” – and yes, they’d do it again.
While many plungers were first-timers, Jason Nelson wasn’t one of them. He plunged three times in a row on March 8 – and has done it more than 350 times in his life.
“It’s for a good cause and it’s a tradition I love every year,” Nelson said.
Watching Nelson plunge again and again likely inspired others to sign up next year. After all, 350 plunges is quite the accomplishment.
Emma Fiedler, the event manager for the Eden Prairie Polar Plunge, said the most meaningful part of the event is “plunging for inclusion.”
“The Polar Plunge is the biggest fundraiser for Special Olympics Minnesota,” she said. “All funds raised by plungers help Special Olympics Minnesota provide year-round training and services to thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities.”
Fiedler added that people love the event because “it’s not only a great team-building activity, but it’s a fun opportunity to be a part of a community event in the middle of winter!”
For many Eden Prairie residents, the countdown to the 2026 Polar Plunge has already begun.
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