Penguin Plunge 2012: Meet M’Liss Rinaldi

Special Olympics Connecticut’s annual fundraising event, , is set to take place at on February 19th.

in an effort to raise money and awareness for

Name: M’Liss Rinaldi

Town of residence: West Greenwich, R.I. (But I was born and raised in Westerly!)

Occupation: Attorney

First Plunge? If not, how many? This is my first plunge.

Why take the Plunge? I have always wanted to participate in a plunge. In fact, if I had a bucket list, it would be on there. In the past, I could not find anyone else brave (or crazy) enough to join me. This year, I will be plunging with several other members of my women’s flat track roller derby league, Shoreline Roller Derby. Our league is based in Groton, and since our inception last year, we have participated in many community and philanthropic events.

What does Special Olympics mean to you? The Special Olympics promotes courage, good sportsmanship and teamwork. Win or lose, Special Olympians gain self-confidence, improve their physical condition and develop lifelong friendships. While it may seem like a strange comparison, roller derby provides the members of Shoreline with all of these same benefits. I am thrilled to play a small part in continuing this wonderful tradition by taking the Plunge!