Plunge Weekend Proves the Party Isn’t Just in the Water

February 9, 2026. This weekend in Hampton, something special happened.

Even without a leap into the Atlantic, the spirit of Plunge Weekend roared just as loud.

Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast presented the 18th Annual High School Plunge and the 27th Annual Penguin Plunge, bringing hundreds of students, educators, longtime plungers, volunteers, partners, and supporters together for one unforgettable weekend in support of Special Olympics New Hampshire.

The ocean may have stayed off-limits, but the celebration never missed a beat.

Inside the Casino Ballroom, energy replaced icy waves. Costumes filled the room. Music echoed. Laughter bounced from table to table. Awards were handed out. Milestones were celebrated. And most importantly, the community showed up for the nearly 2,600 athletes across New Hampshire who rely on these events to fuel year-round sports, training, health initiatives, and inclusive opportunities.

Plunge Weekend has always been about more than the water. It’s about courage, community, and commitment. This year simply proved it.

When Safety Comes First, Community Shows Up

Due to dangerously cold conditions, public safety partners made the call that entering the ocean would not be safe. It was a decision grounded in care for participants, volunteers, and first responders.

And the response from the Plunge community was nothing short of incredible.

Plungers adapted. Volunteers flexed. Schedules shifted. Smiles stayed. The weekend transformed into a full-scale celebration, proving that the heart of the Plunge doesn’t come from the temperature of the water, but from the warmth of the people.

We are deeply grateful to the professionals who helped guide that decision and keep everyone safe, including Hampton Fire & Rescue, Hampton Police Department, New Hampshire State Parks lifeguards, and our media partners who helped share updated event information with the public.

Game-Changing Impact, One Plunge at a Time

Funds raised through Plunge Weekend are truly game-changing. Together, the High School Plunge and Penguin Plunge represent one of the largest annual sources of support for Special Olympics New Hampshire athletes.

These dollars power:

And the impact doesn’t stop here.

Winter fundraising continues with Winni Dip Weekend in March, featuring additional winter water sports events that offer another chance to get involved, raise funds, and make a difference. If you missed Plunge Weekend or are already looking for your next adventure, there’s still time to jump in and be part of the movement.

A Weekend Built by People Who Care

This weekend would not exist without an extraordinary village of support.

We extend a huge thank you to Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, our presenting sponsor, for their continued belief in the power of inclusion and community impact. We are equally grateful to Eversource Energy, our event host, whose partnership reflects that same commitment. Together, their support went far beyond dollars—through vital financial investment, in-kind resources, and dedicated volunteers who helped fuel the energy, flexibility, and heart of Plunge Weekend.

To our plungers: thank you for showing up with heart, humor, and unwavering dedication to our athletes. Your fundraising, your creativity, and your commitment are what make weekends like this possible.

To our volunteers: you are the backbone of Plunge Weekend. From early mornings to last-minute changes, from check-in to awards, your flexibility, enthusiasm, and positivity carried this event every step of the way.

And to the partners behind the scenes, including WMUR-TV and countless sponsors and supporters who stepped up before and during the weekend, thank you for helping ensure this event was safe, joyful, and impactful.

Cold Water Cancelled. Community Still All In.

Plunge Weekend reminded us of something powerful: when people come together for a cause bigger than themselves, no single element defines the experience.

The water may have stayed cold, but the commitment to Special Olympics New Hampshire burned brighter than ever.

And this winter, the momentum is still building.

Because the Plunge isn’t just a moment. It’s a movement.

Plunge Weekend Photos – Coming Soon!