Polar Plunge in Port Washington to Benefit Special Olympics

Hundreds of locals will run, jump and dive into the chilly waters of Hempstead Harbor to raise funds for Special Olympics New York athletes during an annual polar plunge event held in Port Washington this winter.

It seems crazy, but participants in the 12th Annual Town of North Hempstead Polar Plunge will be “Freezin’ for a Reason” when they bravely dive into North Hempstead Beach Park waters on Saturday, March 5.

Registration begins at 10 a.m. and the Polar Plunge kicks off at noon.

Special Olympics Polar Plunges are held across the country each year to attract thousands of thrill seekers to this exhilarating fundraising event.

Approximately 6,000 plungers and 15,000 spectators helped raise nearly $1 million statewide in 2015. More than 600 of those participants took part in the plunge at North Hempstead Beach Park.

Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth expects this year’s Polar Plunge to be the most successful one yet.

Anyone who wants to join the cause but doesn’t want to take the plunge can join the “Chicken Coop,” which allows people to help raise money without jumping into frigid waters.

“It is always such an honor to host an event that helps provide such critical services and programs to our wonderful Special Olympic Athletes,” Bosworth said in a press release.

All funds raised will support Special Olympics New York’s programs and promote awareness of people living with intellectual disabilities in New York.

Images via TONH

Photo1: Brave souls take part in a recent Polar Plunge.

Photo 2: (From left): The Polar Plunge mascot, Receiver of Taxes Charles Berman, Supervisor Bosworth, Council Member Anna Kaplan, Town Clerk Wayne Wink, and County Legislator Delia Deriggi-Whitton.