Special Olympics New York 'Polar Plunge' is back

Students eligible to receive scholarships

Special Olympics New York will once again take on the chilly waters of Lake Erie to raise funds and awareness for the local athletes of Special Olympics New York. The two-day “Buffalo Polar Plunge,” presented by Towne Automotive Group, is designed to bring thousands together for one reason: inclusion.

Friday, Dec. 2, offers the chance for high school students to be part of the action in the “Cool School Plunge,” initially created solely with the Unified schools in mind. Participating students will have the chance at $3,500 in scholarship money thanks to First Student.

Registration is 2-3:30 p.m. at Woodlawn Beach State Park, 3580 Lake Shore Road, Buffalo. The plunge begins at 4 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 3, will be the traditional “Buffalo Polar Plunge,” available to anyone. Registration is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Woodlawn Beach State Park, with the plunge at 2 p.m.

Organizers said, “This year marks the 16th annual ‘Buffalo Polar Plunge,’ and we are challenging schools, clubs, organizations and companies to participate. In 2021, 800 participants raised $290,000.”

Individuals and teams who’d like to join this year’s plunge may do so by registering online at www.PolarPlungeNY.org/Buffalo. For more information, contact Erica Raepple at [email protected] or 716-909-6444.

“ ‘Polar Plunges’ are some of the most valuable fundraisers we host each year,” said Special Olympics New York President and CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “They’re an excellent opportunity for people from all over the community to come together and support our athletes. If you join us, you’ll see why so many people return year after year.”

Participants raise money by asking friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances for donations. Schools can participate in unique fundraisers such as “Toss Your Teacher” or “Dump the Couch.” Register a school at www.PolarPlungeNY.org/Buffalo.

Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 31,000 registered athletes and Unified partners across the state with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with about 250 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports, where students with and without disabilities compete as teammates. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. For more information about Special Olympics New York, to learn more about getting involved, or to make a donation, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org.