Celebs, sports stars, business take plunge for Special Olympics SA

THIS past Saturday saw Special Olympics SA (Sosa) reach a new record of having over 150 celebrities, sports stars, industry players and corporates pledge to take the plunge in support of the 2021 Special Olympics SA National Team.

The event took place at Altitude Beach Bar in Fourways, and despite cold, overcast conditions and 5 tons of ice added to the pool, the plungers arrived en masse in all kinds of incredible outfits to take the plunge to show their support for the Sosa National Team.

Now in its 5th year, the Sosa Polar Plunge has become a signature event for the organisation, attracting more celebrities, industry players, sports stars and corporates to show their support for athletes living with an intellectual disability.

Dr Mathews Phosa, the chairperson of Special Olympics SA, was there on the day to support all those who took the plunge.

“I am overwhelmed at the number of well-known individuals who came out today to plunge into ice-cold water to show their support of not only our national team, but of an inclusive society for all in South Africa,” he said.

“People living with an intellectual disability in South Africa are marginalised and neglected; it is so important to see powerful young people who have a voice showing their support.

“Madiba brought this movement to South Africa and I know that today’s event would have made him proud!”

Close to R150 000 was raised on the day to support the 2021 Sosa National Team who will be competing in the 2023 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Kazan, Russia.

The event, for the third year in a row, received huge backing from YFM, which broadcast live from the venue. The Star and Saturday Star also came on board this year to help create support for Special Olympics South Africa.

Those who would still like to support the Sosa 2021 National Team can donate online at https://www.backabuddy.co.za/2021-special-olympics