It’s a rite of passage for many and just a good time for others, but for Middletown resident Mary Ward-Hutchison and her sons, the Polar Bear Plunge has become a family tradition.
Mary will take the plunge for the 15th consecutive year, but her sons aren’t too far behind with 19-year-old Owen at 11 years and 16-year-old Cole on his 10th year.
Mary, who has been teaching adapted physical education for 27 years, said she has always supported Special Olympics and their efforts.
“The opportunities it has provided my students to train and compete and have positive experiences in sports has just been pretty much unparallel,” she said.
Last year, more than 2,900 “bears” participated in the plunge raising more than $490,000. Since its commencement 19 years ago, the event has raised $4.5 million.
After four years of plunging on her own, Mary began to get her kids involved.
Owen said he didn’t know what to expect the first time around, but every year since the dip has always been the same.
“No matter how [cold] it is outside, when you hit the water, it’s just pins and needles,” he said. “You can’t even breathe.”
Cole, who was only 7 when he started the plunge, said his mom motivates him to keep going.
“She’s very involved in Special Olympics,” he said. “So it’s a way to support her and Special Olympics at the same time.”
Mary said her mother even joined in on the festivities. She participated for three years before she passed away in 2002. Since then, the plunge has been even more special for the family.
“From then on, we run in and out twice in memory of my mom,” she said. “That’s real special to me that it was something I shared with her.”
Mary said the plunge is a fun event that brings out massive crowds.
“If you didn’t see people with their coats on, you would think it was the middle of summer,” she said. “I think it’s become a Delaware tradition, as well. Each year there’re more plungers and more people down there.”
Owen said he recommends that everyone take the plunge at least once in their life.
“It’s something that most people don’t experience, but they should,” he said. “Looking around and seeing thousands of people running into the ocean in February is a pretty unique experience.”
EVENT INFO
WHAT Lewes Polar Bear Plunge
WHERE Plunge headquarters will be at Atlantic Sands Hotel, 101 North Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach.
WHEN Saturday, Feb. 7, at 1 p.m.
DETAILS For the second year, Rehoboth Beach will host a weekend-long Plunge Festival, which includes a 5K Run to the Plunge, restaurant chili contest, ice scupting contest, kids’ activities and the Apres Plunge Party held at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. Plungers are asked to collect a minimum of $50 in sponsorship funds.
FOR MORE INFORMATION go to www.plungede.org.
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It’s a rite of passage for many and just a good time for others, but for Middletown resident Mary Ward-Hutchison and her sons, the Polar Bear Plunge has become a family tradition.
Mary will take the plunge for the 15th consecutive year, but her sons aren’t too far behind with 19-year-old Owen at 11 years and 16-year-old Cole on his 10th year.
Mary, who has been teaching adapted physical education for 27 years, said she has always supported Special Olympics and their efforts.
“The opportunities it has provided my students to train and compete and have positive experiences in sports has just been pretty much unparallel,” she said.
Last year, more than 2,900 “bears” participated in the plunge raising more than $490,000. Since its commencement 19 years ago, the event has raised $4.5 million.
After four years of plunging on her own, Mary began to get her kids involved.
Owen said he didn’t know what to expect the first time around, but every year since the dip has always been the same.
“No matter how [cold] it is outside, when you hit the water, it’s just pins and needles,” he said. “You can’t even breathe.”
Cole, who was only 7 when he started the plunge, said his mom motivates him to keep going.
“She’s very involved in Special Olympics,” he said. “So it’s a way to support her and Special Olympics at the same time.”
Mary said her mother even joined in on the festivities. She participated for three years before she passed away in 2002. Since then, the plunge has been even more special for the family.
“From then on, we run in and out twice in memory of my mom,” she said. “That’s real special to me that it was something I shared with her.”
Mary said the plunge is a fun event that brings out massive crowds.
“If you didn’t see people with their coats on, you would think it was the middle of summer,” she said. “I think it’s become a Delaware tradition, as well. Each year there’re more plungers and more people down there.”
Owen said he recommends that everyone take the plunge at least once in their life.
“It’s something that most people don’t experience, but they should,” he said. “Looking around and seeing thousands of people running into the ocean in February is a pretty unique experience.”
EVENT INFO
WHAT Lewes Polar Bear Plunge
WHERE Plunge headquarters will be at Atlantic Sands Hotel, 101 North Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach.
WHEN Saturday, Feb. 7, at 1 p.m.
DETAILS For the second year, Rehoboth Beach will host a weekend-long Plunge Festival, which includes a 5K Run to the Plunge, restaurant chili contest, ice scupting contest, kids’ activities and the Apres Plunge Party held at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. Plungers are asked to collect a minimum of $50 in sponsorship funds.
FOR MORE INFORMATION go to www.plungede.org.
