Polar Plunge supports Special Olympics

By Harry Loomis

On Saturday, the Special Olympics hosted its 19th annual Polar Plunge.

A total of 54 plungers donated to the cause, jumping into a pool of cold water to raise money toward the organization’s efforts this year. 

“It’s not as many as we’ve had in the past and we still are growing each year after Covid,” said Melody Prawitz, development director for Special Olympics. “Covid took a big hit and so we’re still growing.”

Awards were given out to the highest donors and the best costumes. The event raised a total of $28,798 in the event.

“It is great to see the community to support and the support of our coaches and our athletes,” Prawitz said. “It is great to be able to provide the programing that our athletes need to be able to be on the playing fields in the schools.”

The money will go toward competitions for the 2024 season, helping with expenses like transportation.

“We provide everything that is needed for them to participate,” Prawitz said. “We have all of our competition events. We have our track and field, we have pickleball. We’re getting ready to do our Shamrock Run, which is another fund raiser coming up.”