DELAWAREFOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS

NOTHING BUT…

THE BEAR NEWS Published to enlighten the minds and hearts of Bears everywhere

January 2018

S P E C I A L O LY M P I C S D E L A W A R E

Take the Plunge& Go for the Cold!:

Sunday, February 4, 2018

PLUNGEBENEFITING SPECIAL OLYMPICS DELAWARE

LEWES POLAR BEAR

Happy New Year to all our Polar Bears!Special Olympics Delaware would like to thank you for pre-registering for the 2018 Polar Bear Plunge!

If you have not already registered, please don’t wait until the last minute. The sooner you sign up, the sooner you can start to plan your Plunge and recruit friends and family to join you!

Whether you go ankle-deep, or go all in, you will be doing something extraordinary to help a great cause. Please visit WWW.PLUNGEDE.ORG to register today!

Register today at www.plungeDE.orgPLUNGE REGISTRATION FEE: $75

(PRE-REGISTER WITH $10)

PRESENTED BY

FAQs Before & After the PlungeI have already pre-registered. Do I need to check in at the Plunge?Yes, even if you have pre-registered, you still need to check in and receive your sweatshirt. HOWEVER, for a worry-free and relaxing Plunge Day, take advantage of early check-in times on: Wednesday, Jan. 31 at the SODE office in Newark (9:00am-7:00pm), Friday, Feb. 2 (5:00-8:00pm) at the Atlantic Sands Hotel in Rehoboth Beach, and Saturday, Feb. 3 (4:00-7:00pm) at the Atlantic Sands Hotel.

How do I turn in my additional donations?Special Olympics Delaware can help you with any additional offline donations BEFORE you arrive in Rehoboth Beach. This takes the worry out of you handling cash and checks leading up to the Plunge. Drop off or mail in your check and cash donations to our office anytime or during any of the early check-in dates.

What is traffic like and where can I park?Traffic the morning of the Plunge is like a summer holiday weekend, so plan accordingly. Parking meters are turned off for the Plunge. Rehoboth Beach begins to get busy by 10:00am, so make it a leisurely morning, arrive early and find a good parking spot.

Can I bring my dog?Dogs and other pets are discouraged from being on the beach or boardwalk during Sunday’s Plunge. It’s for their safety and that of our Bears and spectators.

Are tents permitted on the beach? What about drones?NO tents are permitted to be set up on the beach. NO drones may be flown over the boardwalk or over the Plunge Zone, in accordance with Rehoboth Beach rules and regulations.

Are there any tips for first-time Polar Bears?We recommend “getting your feet wet” by using these tips in addition to the general tips we offer at www.plungede.org (see “Tips for a Bearable Plunge”). Plunge in front of the Atlantic Sands where it is less crowded and family-oriented. There is no rule for how far you go in -- ankle-deep or all in, but no diving! Bears are not permitted beyond the diver safety team line. Allow the first wave of folks to go in and out. This is not a race. The beach will look very different coming out of the water -- and you may not be able to spot your towel. It’s always good to have a “towel-holder” friend or family member on hand to wave you to your spot on the beach.

Are showers and/or changing rooms available?Bears are welcome to shower at the Sussex Family YMCA. Just show your wristband at the door!

Is there an After-Plunge party?There will be NO Apres-Plunge gathering this year as our party location (Convention Center) is undergoing renovations.

We apologize and ask you to please “bear” with us this year!

We will be back bigger and better than before at our newly-renovated location in 2019!

FOR MORE PLUNGE INFORMATION, GO TO WWW.PLUNGEDE.ORG

Check in and sign your waiver. Important: Team members under 18 yrs. old must bring a signed waiver (by parent/guardian).

Turn in additional funds raised, if any. Remember, try to take advantage of Early Check-in and SODE can help take care of your offline donations (cash and checks).

FOR THE PLUNGE:Water shoes for going into the water (the sand is very cold on bare feet)

A plastic bag (for wet clothes)

Extra clothing, robe or blanket to keep you warm while you are waiting to plunge

Two medium sized towels (one to dry off with and one to stand on)

Clean, dry clothes and dry shoes to wear after plunging

A backpack to hold everything

Team outfits or costumes (optional but it makes it even more festive and fun!)

Team mascot, flag or banners to show your team spirit

Leave valuables at home. (We cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items.)

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DAY-OF PLUNGE CHECKLIST

PLUNGE WEEKEND FESTIVAL IS FEBRUARY 2-4, 2018PLUNGE DAY is Sunday, February 4 in Rehoboth Beach @1:00 pm

Plunge Registration Fee: $75

SKIP THE LINES WITH EARLY CHECK-IN AND REGISTRATION Beat the lines and take care of Polar Bear check-in (or registration for the Plunge or 5K Run)! Wednesday, Jan. 31 at the SODE office in Newark (9:00am-7:00pm) Friday, Feb. 2 (5:00-8:00pm) and Saturday, Feb. 3 (4:00-7:00pm) at the Atlantic Sands HotelDowntown Rehoboth Beach retailers and restaurants will also be offering special discounts for all Polar Bears. Wear your Plunge wristband and consult your Plunge map for participating establishments!

5K RUN TO THE PLUNGESponsored by Jack Lingo Realtor, Saturday’s 5K Run (or Walk) to the Plunge is the perfect way for everyone to support the Weekend Festival. Registration fee ($25 pre-registration; $30 day-of) includes a long-sleeve T-shirt and a hearty post-event snack. Race time is 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 2.

sat., feb.3

RESTAURANT CHILI CONTEST (at participating restaurants)Buy a ballot card for the annual Chili Contest for only $5 - then try a tasty portion of chili as several downtown restaurant chefs battle to make the best chili! Unique and delicious culinary delights await you at this popular annual chili contest starting on Saturday afternoon from 2:30-5:00pm.

HOT WINGS & ICE CREAM SAMPLING - FIRE & ICE ( at the R.B. FIREHOUSE)Fire & Ice is back with more fiery wings from local restauranteurs ... followed by cool and creamy ice cream delights from local creameries! Individuals and family members of all ages are invited to buy tickets for this spicy and icy event at the Rehoboth Beach Firehouse on Saturday from 12-3:00pm (or while supplies last!) Tastings are $1 for each sample.

SANDCASTLES AT THE PLUNGE Watch while local sand sculptors build a sandcastle just off the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk! All are welcome to view the incredible creation free of charge.

sun., feb.4

POLAR BEAR PLUNGE DAY!#GoForTheCold at the 2018 Lewes Polar Bear Plunge presented by WAWA! Make sure you arrive in plenty of time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Plunge festivities. Plan ahead ... take advantage of all the Early Check-in dates and times and skip the lines when you arrive in Rehoboth Beach!

ICE CARVING AT THE PLUNGEIce carving is back at the Polar Bear Plunge! Catch our “ice artists” in front of the Atlantic Sands Hotel at the boardwalk ... get pumped for your Plunge by viewing these frozen works of art!

NO Apres-Plunge party this year ... please “bear” with us!The Apres-Plunge party tradition is on hold for 2018 due to location changes. But don’t worry - we will be back next year at the newly-renovated Convention Center right in Rehoboth Beach - so get ready for 2019! Do celebrate your Plunge, nonetheless, and chill out with your friends and family!

DAY-OF PLUNGE CHECKLIST

EARLY CHECK-IN

Pre-Registration Form must be POSTMARKED by January 28, 2018 with $10 to reserve sweatshirt.

In order to receive your sweatshirt at the event, you must 1) Submit your form & non-refundable $10 postmarked by January 28, 2018 AND

2) Bring a minimum of $65 additional to registration, totaling $75 submitted.

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

Name: _________________________________________________________________________ Gender: o Male o Female

E-mail: _______________________________________________________________ Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY): _________________

o I am a first-time Polar Bear o I am a repeat Polar Bear (I have plunged before)

Plunge Team Name (if any) _______________________________________________________________________________________

Street: __________________________________________________ Employer: _____________________________________________

City: _____________________________________State: ________ Zip: _________________ Phone: (______) ___________________

Event Sweatshirt size (please circle one) Adult S M L XL XXL XXXL Youth M L

o I have enclosed $ ___________ for Plunge Registration o Check enclosed (payable to Special Olympics Delaware)

o M/C, Visa or Discover Acct. #________________________________________________________ Exp. Date __________________

What is your relationship to Special Olympics Delaware (SODE)? o SODE Athlete o Volunteer o Family member o Law Enforcement o Other _________________________________

Mail this completed form to: Special Olympics Delaware · University of Delaware · Newark · DE · 19716-1901or Fax completed form to 302-831-3483

2018 Plunge Pre-Registration Form

PLUNGE REGISTRATION FEE: $75 (PRE-REGISTER WITH $10)

www.plungede.org

PLEASE NOTE: The Special Olympics Delaware logo and Polar Plunge logo are

registered trademarks of Special Olympics, Inc. and may not be used by third-parties without prior written authorization

by Special Olympics Delaware. Use of these logos in apparel or merchandise is strictly prohibited. Thank you for helping us

maintain our responsibility to our organizational brand.

Official Polar Bear Plunge merchandise will be available at the event from Feb. 2-4, 2018, while supplies last. All proceeds

benefit Special Olympics Delaware. ABOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICSThe mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports

training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults 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. Learn more at www.sode.org.

Challenge yourself and your friends to “take the Plunge” for Special Olympics Delaware!

#GoForTheCold #PlungeDE

Look for Andy West and Darrell O’Connor at the 2018 Lewes Polar Bear Plunge on Saturday, February 3 as they shape and sculpt lines in the sand - just one of the many festivities at the Plunge Weekend Festival!

All are welcome to view our artists’ incredible creation!

The sand sculptures will be located just off the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk. Please stop by, take photos and don’t forget to post your pix on social media!

Andy West returns to the Plunge

All Polar Bears who raise the $75 minimum will receive a hoodie sweatshirt. When you pre-register by midnight on January 28, 2018, your sweatshirt is guaranteed. However, if you register after January 28, your shirt will be available post- event!

5K Run to the Plunge celebrates 10 years!

Join us as we celebrate our 10th Anniversary of the 5K Run/Walk to the Plunge!

Presented by Jack Lingo Realtor, Saturday’s 5K Run (or Walk) to the Plunge is the perfect way for people of all ages and abilities to support the Weekend Festival.

Registration fee is $25 for pre-registration or $30 for day-of. All registered participants will receive a long-sleeve T-shirt and a hearty post-event snack.

Pre-register online for the 5K Run to the Plunge by midnight on Sunday, Jan. 28 in order for your shirt to be guaranteed. If you register after Jan. 28, your shirt will be available post-event.

L E W E S P O L A R B E A R P L U N G EF O R S P E C I A L O L Y M P I C S D E L A W A R E

P R E S E N T E D BY

1 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y

Run Plungeto the2018START FUNDRAISING!Besides - the more you raise, the warmer the water.Check out these incentive items below and get motivated to raise funds for a truly worthy cause. Be an “official bear”, start fundraising until you reach $75 -- and additional incentive prizes will be awarded to those who raise $250, $500, or $1,000+ for the athletes of Special Olympics Delaware!

$75+ Official Plunge hoodie sweatshirt$250+ The above, plus an embroidered beach towel$500+ All of the above, plus an embroidered sweatshirt$1,000+ All of the above, plus an embroidered L.L.Bean Super 200 fleece jacket or fleece vest$2,000+ All of the above, plus an embroidered plush white robe$5,000+ All of the above, plus stained glass art (one-of-a-kind designed by local artist, Dragonfly Leathrum)

Get the official 2018 Lewes Polar Bear Plunge hooded sweatshirt when you raise $75 or more!

raise a minimum of $75 to get the 2018 plunge hoodie

Non-profit Org.US POSTAGE

PAIDWilmington, DEPermit No. 704

619 S. College Avenue Newark, DE 19716-1901

Phone: 302-831-4653FAX: 302-831-3483

www.sode.orgwww.plungede.org

REGISTER TODAY AT WWW.PLUNGEDE.ORG

Wednesday, January 31 Location: Special Olympics Delaware office 619 S. College Ave. in Newark Time: 9:00am-7:00pm Friday, February 2Location: Atlantic Sands Hotel, Rehoboth Beach Time: 5:00 - 8:00 pm

Saturday, February 3 Location: Atlantic Sands Hotel, Rehoboth Beach Time: 4:00 - 7:00 pm

Sunday, February 4 Location: Rehoboth Ave. tent Time: 10:00am-12:55pm

SAVE TIME - Take advantage of Early Check-In!

DELAWAREFOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS

PRESENTED BY

Lewes Polar Bear Club