There will be the warm feeling of community spirit and joy in the air at this year’s Annual East Haven Penguin Plunge to benefit Special Olympics–even if the water’s a bit chilly. All are invited to support local Special Olympics athletes by coming out to plunge with them on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at the East Haven Town Beach, located at the end Cosey Beach Avenue. Check-in and day-of-event registration will begin at 11 a.m. at the beach house, and the plunge will take place at 1 p.m. Pre-registration is encouraged. Request a participation packet by contacting Special Olympics at 203-380-9990 ext. 604 or [email protected]. And, look for information about the event on Facebook.
Registering early, as an individual or team, qualifies participants for incentives and awards – including top fundraising individual, team and school, and best costume. Athletic teams, civic organizations, families, students and teams representing local businesses are invited to take the plunge – and dash into Long Island Sound in the company of friends for a good cause. In addition to the excitement and fun of the plunge, the Sandpiper Restaurant will donate hot, homemade clam chowder for participants and 99.1 WPLR, the radio sponsor for the event, will provide music and announcements. Come in costume, team jerseys or a bathing suit. Event t-shirts will be provided. Towels and water shoes are recommended. Spectators are welcome.
Fidelity Investments is a bronze sponsor. USI Connecticut and Paniccia Construction Corporation are also offering their support. Local firefighters and town officials provide invaluable assistance to make this event possible.
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities; giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness , demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Through their participation in Special Olympics, individuals demonstrate that there are no limits to human potential or the human spirit. In Connecticut, more than 6,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities participate and more than 50 competitions are held annually. This year, Special Olympics Connecticut marks its 40th anniversary. To learn more about Special Olympics, visit www.soct.org or call 203-380-9990.