“Polar Plunge" to Benefit Special Olympics

by Maureen Daly

On Saturday, March 13th, the Town of Oyster Bay will be hosting "Freezin' for a Reason" - a socially distanced polar bear plunge - to benefit the Special Olympics New York. The plunge will be held this year at TOBAY Beach beginning at 9:30AM. Last year's plunge was held in Oyster Bay.

This year’s event will include comprehensive safety measures that comply with federal and state guidelines. All spectators and volunteers will be required to wear masks and participants will be required to wear masks until their scheduled plunge time.

"Many of our residents are used to seeing our beautiful TOBAY Beach in the middle of the summer, but this event provides an enjoyable and charitable reason to begin the beach season early," said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. "Participants will have an opportunity to prove their mettle and their compassion by wading into the chilly waters of TOBAY Beach to raise funds for the athletes of Special Olympics New York."

All funds raised at the event support Special Olympics New York's programs and promote awareness of people living with intellectual disabilities in New York. Proceeds will help 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.

"This polar plunge is sure to create lasting memories for all participants and support a very worthwhile cause," added Saladino. "Special Olympics New York changes lives through the joy of sports and the Town of Oyster Bay is proud to partner with this outstanding organization to help make this event a success. Please join with me in braving the chilly waters for a great reason."

To register for the plunge and for more information, call Casey Maloney at (631) 458-4078 or e-mail to cmmaloney@nyso.org.