Port Washington residents and business members recently joined in the sixth annual North Hempstead Polar Plunge at North Hempstead Beach Park.
A total of 600 Long Islanders took the plunge to benefit the Special Olympics. In total, everyone raised nearly $85,000, and they were rewarded with the feeling of accomplishment.
Helping athletes with disabilities was one of the main reasons why Port representatives like Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio, Chamber of Commerce members and residents decided to become one with the polar bears.
“I am freezin’ for a reason and supporting athletes,” said Port resident Sandy Nelson. “I am also adding a check mark to my bucket list. This was my first time doing this and it was definitely worth it.”
Nelson’s friend and fellow Port resident Joe Cohen had plunged before and joined in again to support the Special Olympics.
“It was all about the cause,” Cohen said. “The Special Olympics is something that is dear to both of our hearts for obvious reasons.”
In addition, the plunge was something Sandy always wanted to do, “so we did it together,” said Cohen.
The Special Olympics New York has 61,582 athletes training and competing year-round in 22 Olympics-style sports. The athletes and their families are never charged to participate. It costs $400 to support training and competition for one athlete for one sports season. The money raised will help 212 athletes compete in one sport season.
