If there’s a methodology to jumping in ice-cold water in the winter, Jack Casey, a McCandless resident and former council member, has none.
“I’m not going to think about it. I’m just going to do it,” he said.
Casey signed up for the McCandless Polar Plunge, which will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 7 behind Town Hall along Grubbs Road.
The event supports vital programming for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities, ensuring quality training, competition, leadership programs and health initiatives for Special Olympics athletes in and around McCandless.
Proceeds from the plunge in McCandless will support the NA Unified Bocce Team, said Abby Lucostic, the town’s recreation director.
She is spreading the word to ask potential jumpers to take part in the event. Each plunger is requested to raise a minimum of $50 to participate.
The overall goal for McCandless is $10,000.
“It’s wonderful to see our community come together to support Special Olympics. We really appreciate that McCandless is finding ways to help bring recognition to Unified Bocce,” said Rachel Tengowski, coach of North Allegheny’s team.
The 16-player team is made up of students from ninth through 12th grades. Four of the players on each team are students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and four are students without disabilities.
Thanks to a mobile pool called Bear Force One, the Special Olympics is able to bring “polar bear plunge” activities almost anywhere.
“Bear Force One is one of our newer fundraising tools. It was developed to give schools, communities and partners a flexible way to host a Polar Plunge without needing access to a lake or river,” said Andrew Fee, vice president of strategic partnerships for Special Olympics Pennsylvania.
Since its launch, it has become a popular option, especially for school-based and community events, he said.
Built into a 42-foot trailer, the 4-foot-deep full swimming pool holds 2,500 gallons of water and can be transported to various areas in the Pittsburgh region and state for fundraising events, Fee said.
“The mobile unit allows us to bring the full Polar Plunge experience directly to people while keeping it safe, accessible and fun,” he said.
Fundraisers like the Polar Plunge are critical because they directly support year-round Special Olympics programming. The funds raised help provide inclusive sports opportunities, such as Unified Bocce, that bring students with and without intellectual disabilities together. Beyond athletics, these programs build friendships, promote inclusion and create a stronger school culture — outcomes that extend far beyond the playing field, Fee said.
Casey, for one, is participating in honor of the many friends and families with disabilities he has known in his life.
Lucostic is hoping to see local businesses, schools and community groups, even individuals, register for the fundraiser.
She also is on the jumping roster.
Though she’s never done a Polar Plunge before, Lucostic realizes she “better put her money where her mouth is.”
She is even more excited that it’s going to help North Allegheny’s Unified Bocce Team.
“Hopefully, it’s going to be one of those 50-degree February days, just a quick chill. I’m hoping it doesn’t snow and it’s not 3 degrees,” she said.
Either way, there will be food trucks, warming stations and hot beverages, as well as a DJ and announcer to hype up the crowd and jumpers. Emergency responders also will be present, Lucostic said.
Fee reminded hesitant jumpers to think of who they are helping.
“We encourage participants to focus on why they’re jumping. Knowing they’re supporting athletes and inclusive opportunities makes the moment in the cold well worth it. And of course, cheering each other on makes it even better,” he said.
As for advice for jumpers facing the cold: Preparation and mindset go a long way, he said.
“We always recommend dressing warmly beforehand, wearing water shoes and having dry clothes ready immediately after the plunge,” Fee said. “Pro tip: Bring a robe.”
The McCandless Polar Plunge helps kick off a year of activities in 2025 and other programming celebrating McCandless’ 175th anniversary.
Other anniversary events include blood drives, first aid classes and more. For updates, visit mccandless175.org.
To register, visit townofmccandless.org and click on the Polar Plunge link under News & Calendar.
