Special Olympics New York launches 3-day Buffalo Polar Plunge series

Special Olympics New York Press Release

Western New York’s biggest winter tradition is back – and bigger than ever – as thousands of brave plungers will rush into the icy waters of Lake Erie for the annual Buffalo Polar Plunge. The signature fundraiser benefits local Athletes of Special Olympics New York.

Having raised more than $350,000 already, the Buffalo Plunge remains the largest such event in New York. Due to record-breaking participation, this year’s plunge has expanded into a three-day series packed with community spirit, competition, and chilling fun.

All events in the three-day series will take place at Woodlawn Beach State Park in Hamburg, and feature a heated tent, entertainment, special guests and an on-site emcee throughout the weekend.

•Day 1: “Toss the Boss” – corporate challenge; Thursday, Dec. 4

Local companies kick off the series with the fan-favorite “Toss the Boss” challenge – a high-energy corporate showdown that blends team-building, community spirit, and a whole lot of laughs.

This year, Frozen Assets, a team from Danforth, has fueled statewide excitement, raising more than $10,000 and challenging colleagues across New York to join the plunge.

“Special Olympics NY is a true representation of the community engagement and spirit that we strive to achieve here at Danforth,” Marketing Manager Christina Kramarz said. “The elements of teamwork, participation, partnership and inclusion are key in our culture, and through our team’s participation, we’ve seen these values come full circle. We just hit our $10,000 goal – a major milestone made possible by our incredible employees. We truly value our partnership with Special Olympics and the opportunities it has provided our team.”

Register from 2-3:30 p.m. for the 4 p.m. plunge.

•Day 2: “Cool School Challenge” – student spirit takes lead; Friday, Dec. 5

More than 33 local schools will brave the cold for the fifth-annual “Cool School Challenge.” Students have already raised over $120,000 through creative fundraising efforts.

East Aurora High School leads with over $20,000, followed by Iroquois and One West Seneca.

Two participating students will receive $1,000 scholarships, courtesy of Special Olympics NY and First Student. The top student fundraiser so far is Ryan Kidd, of Lake Shore Middle School, with more than $2,200 raised.

Register for the morning plunge (noon) from 10-11:30 a.m.; or from 2-3:30 p.m. for the 4 p.m. afternoon plunge.

•Day 3: “Community Plunge” – “The Big Event”; Saturday, Dec. 6

The series culminates with the “Community Plunge,” drawing more than 1,000 participants ready to dive in for inclusion. A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to the top fundraising college student – currently Ava Johnston, representing the Daemen Wildcats.

Register from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the 2 p.m. plunge.

“The Buffalo Polar Plunge is truly magical to witness,” said Erica Raepple, senior director of Special Olympics NY Western Region. “Teams from all over come together for one reason: inclusion. This event has grown rapidly thanks to the incredible support of the Buffalo community, who understand the importance of our programming. This event will sponsor over one third of our athletes here in Western New York.”

Ron Ward, a Special Olympics athlete for 40 years and current board member, added, “I love everybody and sponsors coming together for us athletes.”

Ward participates in floorball, basketball, softball, bowling and bocce.

Last year’s event brought together 2,000 participants and raised an unprecedented $575,000, making Buffalo’s Polar Plunge the most successful in the state.

There is still time to register and support. Individuals and teams ready to join the fun can register at www.BuffaloPolarPlunge.com. For more information, contact Raepple at eraepple@nyso.org or 716-909-6444.

More about Special Olympics New York: Special Olympics New York is one of the largest state chapters in the country, serving more than 48,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with more than 375 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports, where students with and without disabilities compete as teammates.

All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. The organization has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.com and a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, making it one of the most trusted charities in the business nationally.

For additional information about Special Olympics New York, to learn more about getting involved, or to make a donation, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org.