Brave the Cold to Support SOCT

Take the plunge into icy waters to support more than 12,000 athletes of all abilities who participate in the sports training and competitions Special Olympics Connecticut offers year-round. All are invited to participate in the Plunge, including individuals, friends and families, and teams representing schools, businesses, organizations and clubs.

Athlete wearing an American Flag bathing suit diving into the water.

Take the Plunge

To join in the fun, participants must be at least 8 years old. There is a $25 registration fee to particpate in the Penguin Plunge, and additional fundraising is encouraged! Raise $150 and recieve an exclusive Penguin Plunge sweatshirt! No matter your donation size or total fundraising amount, you are making a difference in the lives of over 12,000 Special Olympics Connecticut athletes across the state. In addition to the awards for top fundraisers and best costume, participants receive incentive prizes for their fundraising efforts. Spectators are welcome!

For more information, please contact Jackie Turro at jackiet@soct.org.

Bring the Penguin Plunge to you!

Can’t make it to one of our Penguin Plunge events? No problem—our Mobile Penguin Plunge Unit brings all the fun, excitement, and impact of the plunge directly to your school, business, or organization!

This portable plunge experience is perfect for team-building, engaging your community, or rallying support for a great cause—all without leaving your location.

We’ll bring our Mobile Penguin Plunge unit to your site, complete with an icy cold pool for participants to take the plunge. Gather your classmates, colleagues, or team members to fundraise for Special Olympics Connecticut and experience the thrill of plunging together! Fundraising Incentives: Just like our traditional plunges, participants who raise $150 or more will earn an exclusive Penguin Plunge sweatshirt, handed out on the day of your event. The more you raise, the more rewards you unlock!

Web Graphic MobilePlungePPSE25.png

DIY Penguin Plunge

Dive into the excitement of our DIY Penguin Plunge and make a splash for a cause right from the comfort of your own home! Whether it's a daring cold shower, a snow-rolling adventure, an icy head dump, or a dip in the hot tub, let your creativity flow as you support Special Olympics Connecticut athletes. The more inventive, the better! Don't miss out on the fun – join us and don your finest Penguin Plunge costume for an unforgettable experience! 

Awards

Awards are given in the following categories to the top fundraising and best dressed individuals and groups at each plunge:

  • Emperor Award – Top Fundraiser
  • Emperor Club Award – Top Fundraising Group
  • Rockhopper Award – Best Individual Costume
  • Waddle Awards – Best Group Costume
  • Silver Award – Oldest Penguin
  • Rockin’ School House Award – Top Fundraising School Group
  • Arctic Hero Award – Top Fundraising Public Safety Group 
  • Penguin on the Rocks Award – Top Fundraising Bar/Restaurant 
Two adults posing with penguin mascot in front of Penguin Plunge banner.

Upcoming Plunges

View our upcoming Penguin Plunges and learn how you can get involved.