The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for persons eight years of age and older with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.
Special Olympics is founded on the belief that people with intellectual disabilities can, with proper instruction and encouragement, learn, enjoy, and benefit from participation in individual and team sports. These must be adapted only as necessary to meet the needs of those with mental and physical limitations.
Special Olympics believe that consistent training is indispensable to the development of an individual’s sports skills. In addition, competition among those of equal abilities is the most appropriate means of testing these skills, measuring progress, and providing incentives for personal growth. ~ Maryland Special Olympics
To help support Maryland’s chapter of the Special Olympics, local area residents raise money through their participation in The Polar Bear Plunge which has etched its place in Maryland’s history.
For the past 28 years, thousands of plungers have jumped into the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay all in support of Special Olympics Maryland. Your dedication to the 15,588 athletes and Unified® teammates is impactful and has created countless inclusion experiences across the state of Maryland.
This year, the goal is to reach $4 million in donations. If you care to help, please click on this link. Every dollar counts!
[Click here to make your pledge]
Recently I sat with Dan Herr, a regular plunge participant, to get his take on the experience and the cause the plunge benefits.
Tony Lombardi: What initially attracted you to participating in The Plunge and when was your first dip into the chilly waters?
Dan Herr: 21 years ago, I was President of Ravens Roost 60 in Perry Hall. We decided to donate just $500 to Special Olympics of Maryland. I spoke with Kelly, and she presented the Council Of Ravens Roost with a fundraising opportunity for the Polar Bear Plunge. We set a goal of $5000 that year and all the Ravens Roost throughout Md. Raised $17,400. That was my first plunge.
TL: Describe the weather and water conditions of your initial plunge.
DH: I don’t actually remember the temperature but I remember hanging out with fellow Roost members and we were using the snow as a refrigerator. Probably the temps were around 36.
TL: After you were fully submerged, what thoughts raced through your head?
DH: The first few plunges I was like OMG, what am I doing? But then as I have progressed over the years, I am like, I already went under, let’s do it a couple of more times.
TL: Talk about some of your favorite memories related to The Plunge both in and out of the water…
DH: There have been so many great memories, most of which involve the Special Olympic athletes. From watching the first Super Plunge with Jimmy Myrick to teaming up with Sam Livingston when he was waiting for me and told me he just raised $10,000. During the virtual Covid plunge, I spoke with Monique Mathews and convinced her to do the Super Plunge. This year, I teamed up with Annu Singleton and we were the Reigning Defending Undisputed Unified Super Plunge Tag Team Champions.
TL: The Plunge has increased in popularity over the years. How many participate these days?
DH: The 2024 Super Plunge had 66 plungers, 19 of which were SOMD Athletes and we raised a record $687,000. That doubled the previous high from just a couple of years ago.
TL: Since its inception, The Plunge has created advanced degrees of participation, including the Super Plunger. What does the person wearing the proverbial “S” cape in the frigid bay do that separates him or her from the rest?
DH: There is no ‘S’, we all have the same goal, to raise awareness and money for the athletes of SOMD. The money raised allows athletes to participate year-round free of charge. However what we do is help create a world of inclusion. We strive to provide them opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and thrive in society.
TL: Talk about how the kids of The Maryland Special Olympics benefit from the plunge.
The athletes are amazing. So many of them I call friends. I have seen them succeed on the fields, hold jobs, speak at the State House, be on commercials, and most of all, change your perspective on life. They are hardworking, always smiling, and live such a positive life.
TL: Any last words you’d like to share with #RavensFlock about The Plunge?
DH: Over the last 21 years I have been involved with the Polar Bear Plunge and Ravens Roosts, they have raised over $3,000,000. They have supported me over the years.
Over the years, SOMD started a Super Plunge Hall of Fame. There are three Ravens Roost Members in that elite group, Zack Taylor, Darryl Despeaux, and myself.
My “thing” is not to wear a costume like many do to match the theme for the plunge but to plunge several times every hour on the hour. What started as 24 plunges in 24 hours has turned into 102 plunges in 24 hours. Most of which are plunges where I go all the way under.
As Dan goes under, please if you can, help the organizers of this great event go over their goal of $4 million for the athletes who participate in the Special Olympics of Maryland.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
