Penguin Plunge at New London’s Ocean Beach Park Will Benefit Special Olympics, Feb. 16

A Special Olympics wintertime tradition continues with the 2014 New London Penguin Plunge which will be held on Sunday, February 16 at Ocean Beach Park. Check-in will begin at 10 a.m. and the plunge will take place at noon. Register online at www.soct.org/plunges or call (203) 230-1201 to receive a registration packet. And, “like” Special Olympics Connecticut on Facebook to get event updates.

Join teams from local businesses and schools like Ring’s End Lumber, KLM Motorsports, New London County Rugby, and Chelsea Groton Bank in supporting Special Olympics athletes by making a splash at this year’s Penguin Plunge at Ocean Beach Park. The Plunge gives participants the chance to jump into the chilly water in bathing suits, team jerseys or creative costumes for a good cause. Individual and team participants will be thanked with incentive prizes and awards for their fundraising efforts, and will enjoy the camaraderie and excitement the event promises with their friends, family and coworkers. Funds raised give Special Olympics Connecticut the means to provide sports training and competitions for thousands of athletes, all year long.

Each person must bring a completed registration form, waiver (signed by the participant and parent or guardian if the participant is under 18 years old), and minimum of $100.00 in donations to the event to plunge (or raise this amount online). Towels and water shoes are recommended. Sponsors of the event include Chelsea Groton Bank. Entertainment will be provided by Roxy 100.9 and refreshments will be available.

Too chicken to plunge? 
That’s ok! You can still be a part of the fun. Visit www.soct.org/plunges, click “New London” and register as a Chicken. Raise pledges and receive incentives just like a regular plunger except no going into the icy water. You’ll get to hang out in the “Chicken Coop” staying warm (and dry!) while you cheer on the brave Penguins! It’s a fun way to still be a part of the team.

Awards are given in several categories to the top fundraising individuals, teams, school groups, bar/restaurant, public safety team and more in addition to our costume contest! Best costume awards go to the best individual and team costumes so get as creative as you want. The winner of the “Penguin on the Rocks” award for the top fundraising bar or restaurant will get to display an engraved perpetual trophy in their establishment for an entire year!

Special Olympics Connecticut provides year-round sports training and competitions for close to 15,000 athletes of all ages with intellectual disabilities and Unified Sports® partners - their teammates without disabilities. Through the joy of sport, the Special Olympics movement transforms lives and communities throughout the state and in 170 countries around the world by inspiring inclusion and respect for all people, on and off the playing field. (www.soct.org)