A charity drive for Special Olympics Ireland will see members of the public plunge into the icy depths of the Shannon this December.
At the recent launch of the Polar Plunge, members of Connacht rugby and An Garda Síochána called on everyone to get freezin’ for a reason and plunge into the Shannon at The Strand on Saturday December 13 at 11am.
The Athlone Polar Plunge is being spearheaded by Athlone-based garda Brian Keane and colleagues Sergeant Andrew Haran, Garda John Teehan, and Garda Aishling Brady - all of whom took lead by example at the launch by diving into the Shannon! Members of the Garda Water Unit, whose unit is based in Athlone, were also on hand to support the launch.
The event is being run as part of the Gardaí’s role with the Law Enforcement Torch Run, an organisation that has been in partnership with Special Olympics for many years. Gardaí said they are hoping to attract in excess of 150 plungers on the day with the first plungers due to take their icy leap of faith on December 13.
It is hoped the event will raise much-needed funds for Special Olympics athletes. Separate plunges are also taking place in locations around the country in December.
Garda Brian Keane is hopeful that the people of Athlone will get behind the fun-filled charity event: “This is a fantastic way to raise funds for Special Olympics athletes. All of the money raised will go towards supporting athletes ensuring that they continue to get access to sporting opportunities through competitions, leagues, and interclub competitions. On top of that it promises to be good fun so sign-up today!”
Those interested in signing up for the Polar Plunge can do so at www.specialolympics.ie/polarplunge Registration costs €15 and plungers are asked to raise a minimum of €50 which goes directly to supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities through sport and competition. Plungers who raise more than €50 will also receive a complimentary ‘Ice Cool’ t-shirt.
For more information log on to www.specialolympics.ie/polarplunge to secure your place!
