(Waynesville, OH) - The local community once again came together to fundraise and brave the waters of Caesar Creek for the 26th annual Polar Plunge that took place on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Special Olympics Ohio organizes various fundraising events all across the state in order to provide free athletic opportunities for Ohio athletes with intellectual disabilities.

The event began with Special Olympics athlete and Voices Speaking Out advocate Luke Marshall carrying the Law Enforcement Torch Run torch, joined by Sergeant Kennon Coleman of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. In addition to participating in the Polar Plunge, Coleman also completed his second Super Plunge for Special Olympics Ohio — one cold plunge every hour for 24 hours.

Polar plunge participants arrived in costumes ranging from inflatable dinosaurs in sunglasses to Disney princess gowns and wigs, each group adding its own flair to the celebration. 

Conditions at Caesar Creek were dramatically different from last year. In 2025, the safety crew had to drill through the ice to create an opening for plungers. This year, the waters were so high that the shoreline signs were almost fully submerged. Even so, the safety team navigated the waist‑deep water to guide and protect participants throughout the event.

The top fundraising team award went to the Warren County Wildcats + Champions. They met and even exceeded their goal by raising a total of $6,555. Of that amount, Special Olympics athlete and Voices Speaking Out advocate Aaron Bowman raised $3,320, making him the top individual fundraiser of the event. All money raised by the team will directly support athletes here in Warren County.

For the Bowman family, the Polar Plunge carries a deeper meaning this year. The event was Bowman’s father’s favorite, something he looked forward to every year. His sudden passing in early February made this year’s plunge especially emotional.

Although his father couldn’t be there in person, Bowman shared that he felt his presence the moment he hit the water. Surrounded by his family, friends, and supporters, he reminded everyone that he was plunging in his father’s honor — a tribute that resonated throughout the entire event.

The event raised a total of $19,397. Thank you to all of the teams who participated including the Warren County Wildcats + Champions, the Antioch Bobbies, the Dino-Mites, WCI/LECI, Kaiser’s Crew, the Rabbit Chasers, Caesar Creek Safety Crew, Luke5Adventures, and Team Hope. 

 If you are interested in donating to the cause, Special Olympics Ohio accepts year-round donations. To donate, visit Donate | Special Olympics.



For more information, contact Claire Bishop at claire.bishop@warrencountydd.org or (513) 335-1026.