Start 2026 with a Splash at Special Olympics Rhode Island’s 50th Annual Penguin Plunge
The milestone celebration has earned its first ever $50,000 sponsorship from the Freemasons of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Shriners.
Photo courtesy of Special Olympics Rhode Island
Many folks think of New Year’s Day as the time to wash away any negativity from the year before and jump headfirst into new beginnings, and there’s no better way to do just that than with a polar plunge. Or, even better, a penguin plunge that benefits an amazing local cause.
On January 1, 2026, Special Olympics Rhode Island (SORI) will proudly host its 50th Annual Penguin Plunge at Scarborough State Beach in Narragansett. Yes, you read that right: The beloved tradition has brought locals from all walks of life together to brave the icy waters of the Atlantic in celebration of courage, community and inclusion for half a century, and remains one of the state’s longest running charity-led plunges. The event has come a long way over the years, having began as a simple, lighthearted challenge between eleven friends in Jamestown to jump in the ocean on New Year’s in 1977. Eventually, the original ‘Penguins’ started collecting pledges for Special Olympics Rhode Island.
Today, the Penguin Plunge has stood the test of time as one of SORI’s most cherished and impactful fundraising events, with more than 1,000 participants (plus supportive spectators) showing up each year to take the plunge. Interested parties pay $25 per person to participate and all proceeds go towards fueling year-round sports training, competitions, health initiatives and leadership opportunities for more than 4,000 athletes across Rhode Island. As an added donation incentive this year, those who raise $50 or more will earn exclusive fiftieth anniversary branded apparel, with additional rewards given to those who enter higher fundraising tiers.
“Reaching the fifty-year mark is an extraordinary testament to the generosity, spirit, and commitment of our community,” says Ed Pacheco, President & CEO of Special Olympics Rhode Island. “Each plunger – whether a first-timer or someone who has braved the cold for decades – helps ensure that our athletes can shine on and off the playing field. Our upcoming fiftieth anniversary plunge is not just a celebration of tradition; it’s a celebration of the countless lives it has touched.”
The Golden Anniversary has been made even more special thanks to the support of the Rhode Island Freemasons and the Rhode Island Shriners. The two organizations have bestowed the event with its first ever $50,000 sponsorship, which provides powerful momentum for SORI t0 reach its $225,000 fundraising goal. Pacheco says they are deeply grateful for their generosity.
“The Freemasons of Rhode Island are proud to stand with Special Olympics Rhode Island during this fiftieth anniversary year,” says Rick Baccus, Grand Master of the Rhode Island Freemasons. “Supporting the Penguin Plunge and the athletes it uplifts is an honor for all of us.”
Nicholas Oliver, Potentate of the Rhode Island Shriners, adds, “The Rhode Island Shriners are thrilled to help celebrate this milestone Plunge and strengthen the incredible work of Special Olympics Rhode Island. We are grateful for the opportunity to support athletes who embody courage, determination and joy.”
Want to join the cause and take the plunge? While day-of registration opens at 10 a.m on New Year’s Day, pre-registration is strongly encouraged. You can pre-register with a participation fee of $25 at give.specialolympicsri.org/ge/2026pp. The Main Plunge will take place at noon followed by a Family Friendly Plunge at 12:15 p.m. The anniversary celebration will feature festive music, food trucks and more, as well as the recognition of longtime participants, teams and community partners, and appearances by Special Olympics Rhode Island athletes who will be happy to share their stories of impact and inclusion. For more information about Special Olympics Rhode Island and the event, visit specialolympicsri.org.
