News
October 17, 2018Special Olympics New York Lake George Polar Plunge Expected to Draw Hundreds
Fundraising is underway for those who plan to “take the plunge” into the frigid waters of Lake George and hopefully raise over $115,000 for Special Olympics New York. The “Polar Plunge” event will take place on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at Shepard Park Beach in Lake George, NY. Registration begins at 9:30am at the Lake George Beach Club with the plunge taking place at noon.
Special Olympics New York Director of Development, Jennifer Frame, is anticipating hundreds will participate in this year’s festivities. Last year they raised $109,000 which was a big increase from the year before, and now they are hoping to break that milestone. “I am completely passionate about this event and Special Olympics New York. The more funds we raise, the more we can expand our programs, giving athletes more opportunities to train and compete. This event also helps to create awareness about what we do. I am amazed by how hard our athletes work. They face challenges, yet put so much time and effort into reaching their goals,” said Frame.
Frame is hoping each person who plunges raises $300. This year there is a new minimum donation set at $25. Sponsors, such as Best Fitness, also play a major role when it comes to fundraising. Managers encourage staff and members to participate in the freezing yet fun event. In addition, they are leading the warm-up prior to the cool-down in the water. “We are excited to get everyone all warmed up before they take the plunge. We love this organization because of what they provide athletes and our community. They are there to challenge people and support dreams. We can relate and believe strongly in what they do,” said Craig Boyarsky who is a fitness director at Best Fitness.
Athletes and their family members are at the backbone of all Special Olympics New York events. Many are active in fundraising initiatives and supporting the organization in any way they can. Kimberly Reynolds and her family have already raised over $16,000 for this year’s Polar Plunge. Reynolds’ son Bryce has Down Syndrome and when she and her husband learned about Special Olympics New York they became very involved. Bryce, who is 12 years old, is on one of the softball teams. In fact, he played in the Regionals tournament and their team won Gold. The family raises significant funds through softball and basketball fundraisers. “I love seeing smiles on the faces of the athletes and watching their excitement as they participate in Special Olympics New York,” said Reynolds. Their family has raised thousands of dollars for the organization since becoming involved.
The evening prior to the event there is a pre-party, for those participating, at the Lake George Beach Club from 8:00pm until 12:00am. Shuttle transportation to and from the hotel will provided by Premiere Transportation. There will be live music, free appetizers and drinks for those who attend.
Individuals and teams interested in registering can do so up until 10:00 AM on the day of the plunge by visiting: http://events.nyso.org/site/TR/Plunge/POLARPLUNGE?pg=entry&fr_id=1571 Donations are welcome, and all funds raised help support the cost for athletes to participate in training and competitions. For information on taking part in the Lake George Polar Plunge, please contact Jennifer Frame at Special Olympics New York at 518 388-0790 or jframe@nyso.org. More information can also be found on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LakeGeorgePlunge/
