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Polar Plunge To Benefit Special Olympics

Brave souls take part in a recent Polar Plunge.
Brave souls take part in a recent Polar Plunge.

Non-plungers can join the fun with the new “Chicken Coop”

Join hundreds of community members who will be Freezin’ for a Reason on Saturday, March 5, for the 12th Annual Town of North Hempstead Polar Plunge at North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington.

Brave souls with warm hearts will run, jump and dive into the chilly waters of Hempstead Harbor to raise funds for the athletes of Special Olympics New York. Registration begins at 10 a.m. with the plunge at noon. Those not looking to take the plunge can join the “Chicken Coop,” which allows people to help raise money without taking the plunge.

From left: The Polar Plunge mascot, Receiver of Taxes Charles Berman, Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Council Member Anna Kaplan, Town Clerk Wayne Wink and County Legislator Delia Deriggi-Whitton
From left: The Polar Plunge mascot, Receiver of Taxes Charles Berman, Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Council Member Anna Kaplan, Town Clerk Wayne Wink and County Legislator Delia Deriggi-Whitton

Each winter, Special Olympics Polar Plunges are held throughout the country to attract thousands of thrill seekers to engage in a worthy and exhilarating fundraising event. Last year, more than 6,000 plungers and 15,000 spectators were part of the plunge season raising nearly $1 million statewide, with more than 600 taking part in the event at North Hempstead Beach Park. All funds support Special Olympics New York’s programs and promote awareness of people living with intellectual disabilities in New York.

“It is always such an honor to host an event that helps provide such critical services and programs to our wonderful Special Olympic Athletes,” said Supervisor Judi Bosworth. “This year’s Polar Plunge is poised to be the best yet and I am excited for the ‘Chicken Coop’ which even allows non-plungers to get in on all the fun.”

It’s easy to get involved—simply visit www.polarplungeny.org/northhempstead. From there you will be able to form a team, invite your family and friends to join, create your own Personal Plunge Page and send it out to your contacts—all with a few clicks of the mouse.

This Polar Plunge will help to provide year-round sports training and competition in more than 22 Olympic-style sports for more than 65,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities living in New York, giving them continuing opportunities at no cost to them or their families.

For more information, call the town at 311 or 516-869-6311 or contact Rebecca Strickland at Special Olympics Long Island at 631-254-1465, ext. 203, or rstrickland
@nyso.org.

Submitted by the Town of North Hempstead