MSP Polar Bear Challenge

Every winter, when the snow is settling, and sane people are sitting at home in front of the fire with a hot chocolate in their hands, a crowd is gathering on Sandy Point State Park in Maryland. Every year thousands of people strip off their layers to take a dip in the freezing waters of Chesapeake Bay.

This glorious ritual has been happening since 1997 as a charitable event to raise awareness and money for the Special Olympics Maryland. This Maryland tradition may not tickle your fancy, but knowing that it is all for a good cause certainly motivates participants.

Photo by Aberdeen Proving Ground License CC BY 2.0

Photo by Aberdeen Proving Ground License CC BY 2.0

Photo by Randall Myers License CC BY 2.0