B the Bobs, the team costume contest winners, demonstrate perfect plunging form. (Photo courtesy of Hope Taylor)

The annual ‘Polar Plunge’ at Hurricane City Park produced an estimated $14,000 for the support of the Special Olympics program on Saturday, February 7th. John Corbett, Special Olympics WV Head, reported that 61 brave souls put fear aside and jumped into the pool. The numbers are down by a third from the 2025 Plunge at the park.

The pool was filled with water on Friday and froze overnight requiring 1-inch thick ice to be broken up and removed prior to the 5 p.m. jumping time. In the previous nine years of the event at City Park, ice removal has been required only on one occasion. Ice opening and removal is a regular occurrence in West Virginia Polar Plunges when the event is held at lake sites or other natural settings.

Corbett stated that the event generates revenue needed for Special Olympic athletes to compete in the Winter Games at Canaan Valley State Park which are held in January, the Summer Games in Charleston which are held during June, and in Cheering Competition in Morgantown at WVU in March.

Corbett reported that Shawn Bayliss repeated as the top fundraiser by soliciting $4,000 from supporters who enjoy seeing their favorite attorney lose body heat at the annual event. Corbett said that Bayliss has been the top fundraiser in each of the nine Polar Plunges held in Hurricane. The icy event included a contest with group and individual costumed plungers earning bragging rights.

Group costume contest winner was “B the Bobs.” The individual winner was Mike Harmon portraying Forrest Gump. Very chilled plungers and their supporters gathered at the Fireside Grille after the event to warm up and enjoy the Fireside’s offerings.