Freezin’ For Special Olympics

On Saturday, March 11, they were freezing for a reason. The weather could have been better, but then again, does a little rain matter when jumping into a 42-degree ocean?

But it was the good cause behind it that motivated those plungers to brave the bad weather and chilly water. Saturday’s plunge was on behalf of Special Olympics New York.

Dozens gathered on Beach 94th for the 2023 Rockaway Polar Plunge for Special Olympics NY. Several teams and individuals stepped up to the plate to raise some funds for this great cause. According to the event website, the Cross Island Plungers were the top fundraising team, raising nearly $5,000. Rockaway’s own St. Camillus Special Olympics members came out for the cause, and their team, SCSOOOOO COLD, came in second, raising $2,850. Courts for Mary Quinn, made up of state court officers, came in third, raising $2,400.

The top individual was John Hutton, raising more than $1,050 alone. In second was Robert Hintelmann, raising more than $800. But in this competition, everyone wins, especially New York’s Special Olympians. More than $16K was raised in total. The plunge helps support the great sports programming and activities. For more info, about this event, check out: PolarPlungeNY.org

Photos from Ray Otton and NYSSCO.