The Kerryman (North Kerry)

Take the plunge for charity

- By FERGUS DENNEHY

HARDY members of the Kerry public are being asked to take the icy plunge in the cold Fenit waters next month, all in the name of a charitable cause, local athletes with intellectu­al disabiliti­es.

Taking place on the morning of December 9 at 11am, the chilling invite from the Special Olympics Ireland team extends to families, sports clubs, businesses and individual­s. A number of 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 Jessica Mullins, Regional Fundraisin­g Coordinato­r.

“Polar Plunges are annual events for Special Olympics and we are hoping to make the one in Kerry a flag ship event. It has proved hugely popular in bringing people together for a great cause and kicks off the festive season,” she continued.

“It’s a massive year for us. Hundreds of athletes will be 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,” said Jessica Mullins.

“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.”

Those who think they are brave enough to take the Polar Plunge can register at www.specialoly­mpics.ie/polarplung­e. Registrati­on costs just €20 with plungers asked to raise an additional €50.

Money raised goes directly to supporting athletes with intellectu­al disabiliti­es.

 ?? ABOVE: LEFT: ?? Mascot ‘Bear Chills’ braves the water at Fenit Beach with Special Olympics athletes Mary Claire McCarthy, Jonathan Kerins and Brendan O’Connell for the launch of Kerry’s first Polar Plunge on December 9 while
Swimmer Mary Claire McCarthy (Currow,...
ABOVE: LEFT: Mascot ‘Bear Chills’ braves the water at Fenit Beach with Special Olympics athletes Mary Claire McCarthy, Jonathan Kerins and Brendan O’Connell for the launch of Kerry’s first Polar Plunge on December 9 while Swimmer Mary Claire McCarthy (Currow,...
 ??  ?? Garda and quintuple All-Ireland champ Aidan O’Mahony and Castleisla­nd swimmer Jonathan Kerins join mascot ‘Bear Chills’ and supporters at Fenit for the launch of Kerry’s first Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Ireland on December 9.
Garda and quintuple All-Ireland champ Aidan O’Mahony and Castleisla­nd swimmer Jonathan Kerins join mascot ‘Bear Chills’ and supporters at Fenit for the launch of Kerry’s first Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Ireland on December 9.
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