On Saturday March 21, Tobay Beach hosted the second annual Freezin’ for a Reason Town of Oyster Bay Polar Plunge. Though the ground was covered in white from the snow the day before, it did not deter the participants or spectators from coming down to experience this fun packed event, which was created to raise funds for the athletes of Special Olympics New York.
Friends Lily Lancelloti of Farmingdale and Angelina Leibman of Hicksville were two of the younger plungers braving the icy water. “I saw it on the news and it seemed like fun,” said Lancelloti.
There are more than 65,000 children and adults from the New York area with intellectual disabilities who benefit from what Special Olympics provides. The Polar Plunge plays a part in keeping the year round training and competition of these athletes going. Special Olympic athletes participate in over 22 different Olympic style events.
As registration kicked off at 9:30 a.m., participants started to pile in the registration tent. There were many volunteers present to help facilitate the process. Next to the registration tent was the souvenir tent, where participants and spectators were able to purchase Polar Plunge t-shirts, sweatshirts, bracelets and other great momentos to support the cause. Various sponsors were on hand handing out free giveaways and providing entertainment for the crowd as they awaited the plunge.
One of the reasons for this successful event was due to the direction of Jennifer Cantone, the Development Specialist for the Long Island region of Special Olympics New York. Last year’s event raised more than $29,000 and Cantone believes this year’s plunge will yield a lot more than that. Cantone was very appreciative of the Town of Oyster Bay’s support.
“It’s a wonderful venue for an amazing organization” said Cantone.
Another person who played a key role in this event was Rebecca Strickland. Strickland is a Development Associate for Special Olympics New York.
“Special Olympics New York sends athletes to training and competition without charging their families or caregivers even a dollar to participate in sports” said Strickland. “We give the athletes the pleasure to feel honored. They can do and be part of something that makes them feel confident and brave.”
