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About Us

The Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge began in 1997 with 350 Plungers raising $75,000 in order to support and raise awareness for the thousands of athletes who train and compete throughout the year in Special Olympics Maryland’s sports programs. Since that time, more than 55,000 brave souls have raised a cumulative total of $16 million for SOMD by charging into the Chesapeake Bay --making the MSP Plunge the largest special event in Maryland. In 2010, the event set yet another record, raising an incredible $3.5 million thanks to the efforts of 12,000 Plungers – including an enthusiastic group of school teams who participated in the first-ever Frigid Friday event. The winter event has become a favorite of many local celebrities including Ravens players, media personalities, and elected officials; and is also an annual tradition among many group of friends, co-workers and even families.

The MSP Plunge has directly underwritten the cost of SOMD’s statewide competitions, such as Winter Games and Summer Games, as well as afforded hundreds of athletes the opportunity to compete on the world stage in places like Ireland; Nagano, Japan; and most recently, Boise, Idaho. But more than that, this event has changed thousands and thousands of athletes’ lives for the better, allowing them to reach their full potential both on and off the playing fields.

View the Special Olympics Maryland Mission Statement.

Registration Information

Meghan Wilson
410-789-6677 x140
mwilson@somd.org

Team Information

Betsy Jiron
410-789-6677 x115
mtracy@somd.org

Vendor Information

Betsy Jiron
410-789-6677 x115
mtracy@somd.org

Sponsor Information

Tom Schniedwind
410-789-6677 x105
tschniedwind@somd.org

Katie McDevitt
410-789-6677 x122
kmcdevitt@somd.org

Media Information

Jordan Bishop
410-789-6677 x103
jbishop@somd.org

Volunteer Information

Janet Novak
410-789-6677 x111
jnovak@somd.org

Website Information

Kelley Wallace Schniedwind
410-789-6677 x117
kschniedwind@somd.org

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