Wexford people being urged to get ‘Freezin for a Reason’
SPECIAL Olympics Ireland is calling on Wexford to get ‘Freezin for a Reason’ this December to raise funds for local athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Polar Plunge returns to Rosslare Strand at midday on Saturday, December 9.
Families, sports clubs, businesses and individuals are being invited to brave the icy waters at Rosslare, where local athletes will be on hand to meet, greet and chat about their experiences being part of Special Olympics. ‘Polar Plunge is about cold water and a warm atmosphere,’ said Regional Fundraising Coordinator Louise Duffy.
‘Polar Plunges are annual events for Special Olympics and we are hoping to make the one in Wexford a flagship event. It has proved hugely popular in bringing people together for a great cause and kicks off the festive season,’ she said.
‘It’s a massive year for us. Hundreds of athletes will be at taking part in the Ireland Games next June and hundreds more train every week locally. The Games only happen once every four years and for many is the pinnacle of their sporting achievement. The fact that they can share it with teammates from the same region as them makes it even more special, but it doesn’t happen without public support.’
The Law Enforcement Torch Run, run in parallel with the plunge, is at the heart of Polar Plunge and local Gardaí were once again on hand to launch this year’s event. Wexford Garda Annemarie Doyle joined Michael Nicholas (Station Mechanic), Keith Morris (Deputy Mechanic and Crew Member) and David McCusker (Crew Member and Polar Bear) of RNLI Rosslare Harbour Lifeboat Station in launching the 2017 fundraiser. Shannon O’Farrell Molloy of Foulkesmills and Wexford SOC was the athlete ambassador at the launch. Shannon will be competing in the 15m Kickboard Swim at Special Olympics Ireland Games 2018. Those who think they are brave enough to take the Polar Plunge can register at www.specialolympics.ie/polarplunge. Registration costs just €15 with plungers asked to raise an additional €35.