Video by Rick Racela, Harry B. Scheeler, Jr., and Suheil Quiñones

WILDWOOD - A wind chill of 8 degrees and near freezing water temperatures did not stop 450 brave souls from participating in the Third Annual Polar Bear Plunge here on January 17.

The icy dip in the Atlantic Ocean benefited more than 17,000 athletes of Special Olympics New Jersey.

This year's Plungers traveled from eight states and range from ages 5 to 71 and doubled last year's plungers.

Hot tubs were set on the beach so plungers could defrost their chilled bones before they took part in a warm and hearty lunch buffet.

Sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Police and hosted by The Wildwoods Convention Center, the event included participation from the N.J. State Police, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Middle Township Police Department Dive Team, the Wildwood Police Department, Wildwood Fire Department and Rescue Squad, and the North Wildwood Fire Department.

Special Olympics New Jersey provides year-round sports training and Olympic-type competition in 23 sports for more than 17,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities or other closely related developmental disabilities.