If you’ve ever done it, the memory of the shock will still be with you. If you’ve never done it, then make your way to Sandycove Pier next month and do the Special Olympics Polar Plunge.
The event will take place from 11 AM on Sunday, December 4th and Gala Retail has come on board to help make this year’s event bigger and better than ever.
International soccer player and Special Olympics ambassador, Stephanie Roche was on hand to help launch the event today and said, “It is a shock to the system when you first enter the cold water, but the buzz afterwards is amazing. “I’m nominating my football teammates to take on this cold-water challenge and get freezing for a reason.”
Registration is required at www.specialolympics.ie/polarplunge for a donation of €25 that also gives you an exclusive Polar Plunge T-shirt. And if you can’t make the event on December 4th, this year you can do your own plunge at a beach, lake or river to suit you.
In previous years local stores and pubs have got involved with something to warm you afterwards and there is a great atmosphere.
All proceeds will go towards helping children and adults with an intellectual disability get back to their sport, clubs and friends.
Special Olympics athlete, Edel Armstrong, was also at today’s launch event. “I love swimming but the pool at my club was closed for much of the pandemic so I started open water swimming in places like Sandycove. It kept me going physically but nothing can replace being with my teammates at my club. It has been great seeing them again. I call on everyone to support this fundraising event by signing up today. Who knows, you might enjoy the water more than you know.”
“As a platinum sponsor of Special Olympics Ireland, Gala Retail is thrilled to extend our partnership to support the Polar Plunge this year,” said Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail.
“Having focused so much on isolating over the past 18 months, we hope to see a community of plungers taking part in the event at Sandycove or taking part virtually at their own local beach, pier, pool or lake; nominating others on social media, raising funds for Special Olympics Ireland and making this the biggest Polar Plunge ever.”
“Meeting athletes like Edel here today brings it home how much the isolation in recent times has affected the lives of Special Olympics athletes and how valuable fundraising events like the Polar Plunge are.”
“Edel’s club is starting to open back up now and it’s clear from speaking with her that she is not only enjoying the physical benefits of being back to training with her club but the social ones too.”
We’ll be there on the day, plunging in and getting freezin’ for a reason. Will you join us?
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