Making a splash in Rosses Point for local athletes
SPECIAL Olympics Ireland is calling on Sligo to get ‘Freezin’ for a Reason’ this December and raise funds for local athletes with intellectual disabilities. Polar Plunge returns to Rosses Point on December 9th as the Special Olympics Connaught builds toward the 2018 Special Olympics Ireland Games.
Families, sports clubs, businesses and individuals are invited to brave the Atlantic waters at the outdoor swimming pool at 11am, where local athletes will be on hand to chat about their experiences in the Special Olympics Programme.
Myra Merrick, Regional Director Special Olympics Connaught, said: “Polar Plunge is about cold water and a warm atmosphere.
“We’ve been running this event for a few years now and it’s proved hugely popular in bringing people together for a great cause before the festive season kicks into gear.
“It’s a massive year for us in Connaught. There will be hundreds of athletes from our region at 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,” she pointed out. The Polar Plunge is proudly supported by the Law Enforcement Torch Run, who first brought the event to Ireland in 2007. There are eight such events this year and Community Policing Units from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and officers affiliated with the LETR will be organising and participating once again. Special Olympics Ireland is a sports organisation for people with an intellectual disability that gives athletes the chance to train in a chosen sport and improve their quality of life. The organisation Athletes’ families build an invaluable network of friendship and support while athletes are given a platform to demonstrate courage, experience joy and share long lasting friendships. Those who think they are brave enough to take the Polar Plunge can register at www.specialolympics.ie. Registration costs just €20 with plungers asked to raise at least an additional €50. All monies raised go directly to supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities in sport and competitions. Plungers who raise more than €70 will also receive a complimentary Polar Plunge T-Shirt.