Farmingville, NY - On November 21, the Town of Brookhaven and Special Olympics New York hosted the 11th annual “Polar Plunge: Freezin’ for a Reason” at Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many social distancing precautions were required, including facemasks and allowing only one group at a time to plunge. Nonetheless, the event attracted 215 plungers and raised more than $105,000 for Special Olympics New York. Councilwoman Bonner, who led the “Frozen Eagles” team, raised $1,600, enough to support four athletes for a year. Collectively, the team raised $3,645 for Special Olympics New York. Pictured left to right is the “Frozen Eagles” team celebrating their plunge, including Rocky Point School District students Elyse Nadeau, Madison Palifka and Quentin Palifka with Councilwoman Jane Bonner. Pictured at right “Frozen Eagles” team member Karen Curtiss, who participated in the “virtual plunge” at an alternate site.
Councilwoman Bonner, who plunged for the 11th time said, “I applaud Special Olympics New York for their determination to make this year’s Polar Plunge a success despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. I want to thank my ‘Frozen Eagles’ teammates and all the plungers, volunteers, police, first responders and Town employees for helping the Special Olympics athletes achieve their dreams.”
Special Olympics New York, Long Island Region has 4,000 athletes training and competing year-round in 22 Olympics-style sports. The athletes and their families or caregivers are never charged to participate. It costs $400 to support training and competition for one athlete for one sports season. For more information about the Special Olympics New York, visit their website.
