Niall Quinn was getting chilly in Sandycove this week launching the annual Polar Plunge fundraiser for Special Olympics Ireland.
Getting “Freezin’ For A Reason” will be all the rage this December.
Special Olympics Ireland’s Polar Plunge, is proudly supported by Gala Retail and will raise funds to support Special Olympics Ireland’s athletes as they prepare for next year’s Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin.
Joining Niall at Sandycove Beach today for the launch of Polar Plunge were Special Olympics athletes Nicola Redmond, Eoin O’Connell, and Jacob McKenna.
Jacob is a talented open-water swimmer, picking up a silver medal while competing as part of Team Ireland in a 1500m test event in Berlin earlier this year.
Now in its 20th year, Polar Plunge events will take place in four locations nationwide throughout December 2022.
They will be at Portrush County Antrim and Dungarvan, County Waterford on December 4th and then at Sandycove, County Dublin and Clogherhead, County Louth on December 10th.
Participants can also complete their own Polar Plunge virtually from their own locations.
Special Olympics Ireland is delighted that its long-term charity partner, Gala Retail, have once again kindly sponsored this year’s Polar Plunge events, which are organised in collaboration with The Law Enforcement Torch Run.
73 athletes chosen from a series of Advancement events will will represent Team Ireland in Berlin next Summer.
For more information or to sign-up for a daring dip this December, visit www.specialolympics.ie/polar-plunge.
“Traveling to compete in Berlin was the first time I had spent time away from my family,” said Jacob McKenna.
“And coming home with a silver medal was amazing. Swimming with Vikings Swimmers Special Olympics Club in Dublin has given me so many cool opportunities like that.”
“I now have the confidence to compete in mainstream competitions like the Liffey Swim where I finished third.”
“Special Olympics athletes are so inspiring at every level,” added Niall Quinn.
“The training it takes to represent your country is a mark of how dedicated they are. I remember the atmosphere at Dublin Airport when Team Ireland returned after the World Games in Abu Dhabi.”
“The cheering and support was amazing from friends, family and the Irish public. The sea of green was incredible, and everyone was inspired by what they had achieved. I can’t wait to see Team Ireland compete in Berlin 2023 and relive that experience.”
“As a proud sponsor of Special Olympics Ireland, Gala Retail is proud to support the Special Olympics Polar Plunge for a second year running,” said CEO Gary Desmond.
“This fantastic annual event raises funds to support Special Olympics Clubs across Ireland.”
“The work of Special Olympics Ireland is invaluable to individuals and communities across the country and that’s why we’re asking the public to ‘Get Freezin’ for a Reason’ this December and show their support for this fantastic organisation and Special Olympics Team Ireland athletes.”
