On Saturday March 21, Tobay Beach hosted the second annual “Freezin’ for a Reason” Town of Oyster Bay Polar Plunge. Even though it was the second day of spring, Mother Nature still had winter on its mind. 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.
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 more than 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 mementos to support the cause. Various sponsors were 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, who is 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” she said.
Another person who played a key role in this event was Rebecca Strickland, a Development Associate for Special Olympics New York. She is responsible for the fundraising events here on Long Island and is proud of being a part of this wonderful organization.
“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.”
Special Olympic athlete and Polar Plunge participant Brian Schiralli from Bellmore was excited to be back again for his second go at the Plunge. Schiralli was not only there to take the dip but he also said a few words to the crowd about what Special Olympics means to him. He proudly wore his medal as he strutted through the crowd. When asked how the water was going to feel, Schiralli simply stated, “cold.”
Special Olympian Brian Meister of Lindenhurst participates in bowling and basketball. T.J. Timmons of Coram, another Special Olympic participant, was there to sing the National Anthem. He enjoys being a part of the Special Olympics because “it was a place for me to start doing sports again, get some exercise and make lots of friends” said Timmons.
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.
Centereach resident Linda Esposito came down for the first time because it’s a good cause and said, “It’s something to do once in a lifetime.”
