Freezin’ for a Reason: Columbus Wizards Brave the Cold for Special Olympics Ohio

On Saturday, February 8, the Columbus Wizards put community first—and comfort last—as they took an icy plunge into freezing water at Lower.com Field for the 2025 Polar Plunge, supporting Special Olympics Ohio.

Bundled in team gear and fueled by purpose, members of the Wizards front office joined hundreds of others from across Central Ohio to raise funds and awareness for the thousands of Special Olympics athletes living with intellectual disabilities.

The event, known for its energy and impact, was a powerful reminder that building something meaningful starts with showing up—even when the water’s nearly freezing.

“The jump itself was brutal,” laughed Wizards President Casey Gillespie. “The second I hit the water, it took my breath away. But every shiver was worth it knowing why we were there. We’re committed to deepening our roots in this community, and standing with Special Olympics Ohio is just one of the ways we’re doing that.”

Also making the plunge was Hannah Zumbrun, Sales Director for the Wizards, who called the event “a moment she’ll never forget.”

“You’re cold, you’re soaked, but then you look around and see athletes, families, supporters—and it all hits you,” said Zumbrun. “We’re not just here to play ball. We’re here to connect, to support, and to help build something bigger than ourselves.”

📸 Scroll below to check out photos from the day!

The Wizards would like to thank everyone who donated, cheered, or took the plunge alongside us. Events like these remind us that when we lead with heart, we all win. We look forward to continuing our support of Special Olympics Ohio—and making this annual tradition a lasting one.