Maryland’s top elected official is set to host “the official event of winter” and join the thousands who will be a part of the biggest charity polar bear plunge in the world. 

Governor Martin O’Malley will be returning again this year to help lead more than 10,000 people into the Chesapeake Bay on Jan. 24, at the 13th annual Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics.  Governor O’Malley will be jumping into the chilly Bay waters accompanied by Special Olympics Maryland athletes who are able to participate in year-round sports training and competition free-of-charge because of funds raised in this and other events throughout the year. 

“I look forward to returning to our beautiful beach at Sandy Point State Park and joining Special Olympics athletes, Ravens players, police officers, correctional officers, fire fighters and thousands of other wonderful Marylanders as we once again show the nation just one of the reasons our State is such a great place to call home,” Governor O’Malley said.  “The goodwill and generosity shown by everyone who is a part of this event is truly something to celebrate as we join together to help the more than 10,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities who are a part of Special Olympics Maryland.”

The Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge will be held at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Jan. 24 at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis.  The Plunge is part of “Plungapalooza ’09,” a fun-filled, family festival, full of food, music, sand-sculptures, pig racing, vendors and amazing sights on the beach.  Everyone attending is urged to park at the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium, Anne Arundel Community College, or the Kent Island High School and take the “Polar Express” shuttle to the event.

For a minimum of $50 in donations collected, participants get to join Governor O’Malley and a host of other celebrities to take a quick dip in the Bay.  They will also receive a commemorative Plunge sweatshirt, a complimentary lunch from Damon’s Grill, a Plunge photo and will be eligible for other great prizes. 

This “official event of winter” in Maryland is made possible by Aerotek, a founding partner, and presented by sponsors including Union 486, Constellation Energy, Toyota, and Harley Davidson/Buell of Annapolis.  The Plunge is organized by a team of law enforcement officers working with Special Olympics Maryland and Plunge business partners. 

All the details for the Plunge can be found at www.plungemd.com, the official website of Plungapalooza ’09.  Persons interested in plunging or supporting a plunger can either register or donate on-line.