The Town of North Hempstead teamed up with Special Olympics New York for the 11th Annual Town of North Hempstead Polar Plunge recently, which turned into the first ever “Polar Shower” in the town. Nearly 400 brave souls gathered at a snow-covered North Hempstead Beach Park while they were showered by a constant spray of cold water, courtesy of the Port Washington Fire Department.
Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth began the program by thanking the Special Olympics and the Polar Plunge committee for embracing the challenge presented by this frigid winter, which left Hempstead Harbor frozen and unsafe to plunge into.
“Our committee would not be denied this year, and cancelling this event was not an option,” said Bosworth. “I applaud everyone involved including the Port Washington and Bayville Fire Departments for making today a reality so we could continue to raise funds to support Special Olympics New York and all of their wonderful athletes.”
Among the participants this year were Town Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio, Town Clerk Wayne Wink and Receiver of Taxes Charles Berman. Councilwomen Lee Seeman and Anna Kaplan were also on hand.
The $67,000 raised will help support more than 200 Special Olympics athletes for a full year. This event is part of more than a dozen Polar Plunges annually in New York, which last year raised nearly $1 million for Special Olympics New York.
