A big crowd gathered in Radford on Saturday for the New River Polar Plunge!

Why go for silver, when you can go for the ‘cold?’ That’s the question we’re asking, as we gear up for the New River Polar Plunge.

Every year thousands of individuals jump into frozen oceans, rivers, and pools to Support Special Olympics Virginia.

The department has participated in the annual event for years and they tell us every year is special.

Choose your view for the New River Polar Plunge on Saturday!

WSLS is ready to get to freezin’ for a reason in the 2024 New River Polar Plunge!

The 2024 New River Polar Plunge raises money to benefit the athletes and programs of Special Olympics Virginia it’s Southwest Virginia’s largest fundraiser.

The 2024 New River Polar Plunge raises money to benefit the athletes and programs of Special Olympics Virginia it’s Southwest Virginia’s largest fundraiser. Some WSLS Anchors are gearing up for the event and you can decide who takes the plunge. All you have to do is sign up using your email to become an insider to vote.Voting starts January 17th.

The countdown is on for the 2024 New River Polar Punge.

We’re excited to be freezin’ for a reason at this year’s New River Polar Plunge, which raises money to benefit the athletes and programs of Special Olympics Virginia.

WSLS 10 News and Freedom First Credit Union have partnered for a friendly, one-day giving challenge in support of Special Olympics Virginia.

The 2023 New River Polar Plunge, which raises money to benefit the athletes and programs of Special Olympics Virginia, is just days away.

The event raises money to benefit the athletes and programs of Special Olympics Virginia.

For Elizabeth Kitley and her sister Raven Kitley, Special Olympics has involved the entire family.

Schools in Southwest Virginia are involved in spreading Special Olympics' message of inclusion and some, including Salem High School, are getting national recognition for their efforts.

The law enforcement community is a key supporter of Special Olympics, and the Virginia Tech Police Department has been involved with the organization for years.

'Healthy Athletes' offers free health screenings and education at Special Olympics events, and can be life-changing for athletes.

The biggest fundraiser for Special Olympics in Southwest Virginia takes place on Saturday, and hundreds of people are ready to be freezin' for a reason for a great cause.

In less than three weeks, the 10 News team and people from across Southwest Virginia will willingly take an icy dip into the New River for the annual Polar Plunge.

The annual New River Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics returns to Bisset Park in Radford for the 2022 event, after the 2021 event was held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

SALEM, Va. – The law enforcement community has been a longtime supporter of Special Olympics. Fadorick said she and her colleagues get to see firsthand how important Special Olympics is to its athletes. Ad“I can’t say it enough, it’s just so rewarding to interact with the athletes and see the appreciation and what they get out of the Special Olympics,” Fadorick said. “The Polar Plunge is one of the biggest fundraisers for Special Olympics and obviously with the pandemic, donations and fundraising are down significantly so it’s really important that people participate and support Special Olympics,” Fadorick said. AdPolar Plunge teams are encouraged to take the plunge between February 1-6.

RADFORD, Va. – The countdown is on and we’re just one day away from the New River Polar Plunge. Many members of the 10 News team are diving into the freezing water to help raise money for Special Olympics Virginia. 10 News isn’t the only team -- several groups are raising money, including the Western Virginia Regional Jail. This is the jail’s first year taking part in the plunge, but it’s not their first time fundraising and being involved with the Special Olympics. To donate to the New River Polar Plunge, click here.

As of Wednesday night, the New River Polar Plunge was about $12,500 shy of its $55,000 goal. 10 News has a team ready to take the plunge, and as of 10:45 p.m. Wednesday night, had raised nearly $6,000. This event is one of five Polar Plunge Festivals in Virginia. There’s a similar event in Prince William County on Saturday and a 'Solar Plunge’ in Richmond on June 13. The plunge season kicked off in Fairfax on Jan. 25 and the biggest plunge took place Feb. 7-8 in Virginia Beach.

ROANOKE, Va. – A local gym is supporting the effort by WSLS to raise money for Special Olympics. Saturday morning, Brickhouse Crossfit in Roanoke held a fundraising workout. All month, 10 News has been raising money to participate in the New River Polar Plunge for Special Olympics. So far, we’ve raised over $4,000 and more than $26,000 has been raised overall by participants. That’s one of the pieces of our mission,” Brickhouse Crossfit owner Ryan Robertson said.

The brothers have traveled the world participating in Special Olympics competitions. Ben recently returned from the Special Olympics Sweden Invitational where he earned a silver medal in the giant slalom. Both agree, Special Olympics has shaped who they are. "Without running and Special Olympics, I probably wouldn't be running right now or playing basketball either," Josh said. Ben and Josh said they now have their sights set on qualifying for the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany.

One fraternity that is passionate about the New River Polar Plunge and Special Olympics Virginia is Phi Sigma Kappa at Virginia Tech. The fraternity has participated in the Polar Plunge since it started 11 years ago. The fraternity has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Polar Plunge and Special Olympics Virginia, and aims to raise more than $19,000 for this year's Polar Plunge and about $55,000 total throughout the year for Special Olympics. Lavey and Miller said their philanthropy week is a great way to get all of Hokie nation involved with Special Olympics. This year’s New River Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics takes place Saturday, February 22 at Bisset Park in Radford.

ROANOKE, Va. – Excitement is building for the 2020 New River Polar Plunge, which benefits Special Olympics Virginia, and one athlete is especially eager to dive right in. "I'm very excited for it and it's going to be a lot of fun," said Nicholas D'Elicio, an athlete and global messenger with Special Olympics Virginia. D'Elicio, of Roanoke, said he discovered Special Olympics' programs about five years ago with the help of a friend. As a global messenger, D'Elicio spreads the word about the work Special Olympics Virginia is doing in the community and in the lives of its athletes. The 2020 New River Polar Plunge will take place Saturday, February 22 at Dudley’s Landing at Bisset Park in Radford.

BLACKSBURG, Va. – Hundreds of people are eagerly awaiting the chance to take an icy dip into the New River next month, as a part of this year’s New River Polar Plunge. “It gets really exciting, especially if there’s snow on the river bank,” said Nancy Morehouse, Southwest Region Director of Special Olympics Virginia. 10 News is excited to partner with Special Olympics Virginia to support the Polar Plunge, which is the main fundraiser for Special Olympics programming in southwest Virginia. The 2020 New River Polar Plunge will take place Saturday, Feb. 22 at Dudley’s Landing at Bisset Park in Radford. You can help support Special Olympics' mission by making a donation to this year's Polar Plunge or signing up to take the Plunge.

The New River Polar Plunge is set for Feb. 22 at Dudley’s Landing in Radford’s Bisset Park. Check-in registration begins at 10 a.m. with the Plunge set for 12:30 p.m. The funds raised from this event help Special Olympics Virginia and its mission to help more than 25,000 athletes of all abilities. This year, the plunge is looking to raise $55,000. Not looking to take the plunge yourself but still want to donate?