Saturday March 25th, 2023, was the 10th annual polar plunge in Ithaca. The Polar Plunge was created to fundraise for Special Olympics New York. Special Olympics New York is all about comparative sports. They have athletes, coaches and individuals who support each other and love to stay active. This provides opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to learn, grow and become champions.
What is a polar plunge?
A polar plunge is when individuals plunge into freezing water. You do not have to go all the way under the water, you can go as far as you want. Individuals can even choose to simply just go ankle deep. Anyone can plunge! Participants under 18 must have a parent or guardian fill out a written consent form. Young children have been known to dip a toe or foot into the water, as it can be cold for them.
Polar plunges are commonly done for fundraising events, like the special Olympics. To participate in the Ithaca polar plunge this year, everyone had to raise at least $25 dollars. Individuals did not have to plunge to raise money or donate.
How much money was raised
The Ithaca polar plunge fundraising goal was $100,000. The total amount raised was $101,005. They reach more than their goal.
Many SUNY Cortland clubs and organizations that raised money and or participated in this event. Some examples are The Cortland Stars, Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority, Alpha Phi Delta Fraternity, Best Buddies, and girls’ basketball.
SUNY (State University of New York) Cortland students’ perspective on the plunge
Callie Winn, a junior, participated in the 2023 Ithaca polar plunge. She stated her experience, “I loved plunging, it was a fun experience to have, and I enjoyed fundraising for the cause.”
Erika Jarymiszyn, a senior and Cortland Stars Club member also participated in the plunge. She shared “This is my second year plunging. It is so cold but it’s also a lot of fun.”
Mckenzie Johanson, Alpha Sigma Alpha Service and Giving Chairman stated, “I am really happy with the turn out and loved plunging.”
Madison Strait, a junior shared, who also completed the polar plunge stated, “I am so happy to be here, and this was a great bonding experience.”
How to get involved in special Olympics
You can become an athlete, a coach, volunteer or donate.
Here is the link to the website to learn more specifics about how to become involved: https://www.specialolympics-ny.org/competition/become-an-athlete/
The Cortland Stars is the SUNY Cortland Special Olympics club. This club gives students the opportunity to get involved, coach and train individuals with developmental disabilities in multiple different supports on the Cortland Stars team. They also fundraise and raise awareness.
The Cortland Stars meet and practice on Wednesday from 6:15 pm-7:30 pm in the Student Life Center (SLC) on the multi-activity court.
You can also follow them on Instagram @thecortlandstars