On Feb. 28, the Isle of Palms Police Department (IOPPD), along with the Mount Pleasant Police Department (MPPD), hosted the 11th annual Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics South Carolina (SOSC), the nonprofit that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for more than 30,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
This year’s Polar Plunge raised $58,994 locally from the sale of Polar Plunge merchandise such as long-sleeved T-shirts and beanies, along with donations and a suggested $50 registration fee. The IOPPD was the top fundraising team on the island, contributing $6,715 of the profits. Officer Ned Donovan, who raised the bulk of those funds with $4,955, earned the “Coolest Cop Award.”
Of the 1,000 community members who gathered on the beach to support the nonprofit, more than 100 brave individuals plunged into the wintry waters of the Atlantic. One such participant was Lt. Donald Calabrese of the MPPD, who reported that since the launch of the first Isle of Palms Polar Plunge in 2016, local law enforcement has raised $423,495 from this event. For 2026, the 14 participating police departments across the state brought in $684,993 collectively. One hundred percent of the proceeds are donated to the Special Olympics athletes.
“We couldn’t do it without The Windjammer, the official home of the Isle of Palms Polar Plunge,” Calabrese said. He added that each year during the festivities, local, county and state police officers and sheriffs, veterans, as well as Special Olympics athletes come out to cheer for participants. There is also a costume contest with awards for the most creative outfits, a live adaptive dance performance by the Unified Hip Hop team and coffee donated by local cafes.
Calabrese encouraged residents and visitors to save the date for the next Polar Plunge in 2027, which will be held on Feb. 27, the last Saturday of the month. “We can always use more community support to raise awareness and involvement,” he said. Some ways to get involved at a deeper level are to register with a team of friends, family, neighbors or co-workers and reach out to the department with any additional ideas that will help raise money and awareness.
This summer, the department is launching new social media accounts exclusively for the Isle of Palms Polar Plunge with up-to-date specifics. In the meantime, visit so-sc.org and contact Special Olympics South Carolina directly with questions.
Throughout the year, the IOPPD and MPPD will be popping up around town to spread the word about the Special Olympics and to raise funds by selling T-shirts and collecting donations. The athletes attend these events as well to share stories about their sports and medals, along with a message of acceptance and inclusivity. Look for them at Top Golf, College of Charleston basketball games, Dunkin’ Donuts in Mount Pleasant, Jersey Mike’s and other locations.
By Sarah Rose
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