Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino announced today that out of an abundance of caution for the health and welfare of those in attendance, the Town and Special Olympics New York have decided to cancel an in-person plunge at TOBAY Beach on March 14th and instead will host a ‘virutal polar plunge.’ Participants are encouraged to creatively find ways to join in on the ‘plunge’ such as hopping in an ice bath, taking a cold shower, or having a water balloon fight outdoors, then share the video online using the hashtag #PlungeNation and tagging Special Olympics New York and Polar Plunge NY.
“The Town and Special Olympics New York are especially disappointed that one of Long Island’s premiere polar plunges won’t be able to take place as it normally does, but we are equally excited to see what our ‘virtual’ plungers will come up with now to show their support for such an amazing cause,” explained Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “The Polar Plunge is one of Special Olympics New York’s most popular, important, and exciting fundraisers hosted each year, and it is imperative that we show them the full support of the residents of the Town of Oyster Bay as we all become proud members of #PlungeNation!”
The Polar Plunge helps to provide year-round sports training and competition in over 22 Olympic-style sports for more than 66,835 children and adults with intellectual disabilities living in New York, giving them continuing opportunities at no cost to them or their families. Their philosophy is “Let me Win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt!”
The Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympic New York has been a huge success year to year, with more than 300 participants raising $56,267 to support Special Olympics New York during the 2019 Town of Oyster Bay Polar Plunge. Individuals and teams who’d like to join this year’s virtual Plunge may do so by registering online at polarplungeny.org.
Donations are also welcome and all funds raised help support the cost for athletes to participate in training and competitions. For more information, please contact Casey Maloney at cmmaloney@nyso.org or 631-458-4078.