Port Washington Readies for This Year's Polar Plunge

Some people will do anything for a good cause, even if it means diving into the freezing cold waters of North Hempstead Beach Park, formerly known as Bar Beach in Port Washington, during the 6th Annual Long Island Polar Plunge.

The plunge will benefit Special Olympics New York and its 48,000 athletes across the state. The Polar Plunge is the largest fundraising effort benefiting the Special Olympics in New York and all funds raised will go toward enhancing the Special Olympics' mission: to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

"The Polar Plunge is a great, fun way for people throughout all of Long Island to come together and make a bold statement of the importance of Special Olympics New York and all of the athletic programs and opportunities we provide out athletes," said Jennifer Woishnis, SONY's Associate Director of Development.

Registration for the plunge begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 13, and the plunge takes place at noon that day.

Frances Reid, the director of North Hempstead's Environmental Planning and Solid Waste Management Authority, said she doesn't typically go into New York's waters during the summer months but that she has had fun taking the Polar Plunge for the past four years.

"It's exhilarating," Reid said. "I haven't met anyone who bows out of participating in the event once they take their first plunge. It's incredible!"

She added, "It is a privilege for the Town of North Hempstead to host this for Special Olympics New York."

Along with Reid, North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman, State
Senator Craig Johnson and State Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel will take part in the plunge on Saturday.

Schimel and Reid along with Kim Kaiman (the supervisor's wife), Sue Auriemma, and Chrissy Oliva are part of a group known as the North Hempstead Beauty Queens.

"Fran [Reid] invited me to participate three years ago, and the North Hempstead Beauty Queens were born, and all for a good cause," Schimel said.

Individual or teams of plungers can earn prizes for raising the most money. In the Battle of the Badges, teams from the County Fire Department and the Police Department compete against each other for bragging rights for who can raise the most funds.

"Besides being a great event to celebrate with family, friends and neighbors and engage in friendly and fun rivalry, the Annual WinterFest and Polar Plunge gives everyone the opportunity to raise funds for a worthy cause," said Supervisor Jon Kaiman who is preparing for his fourth plunge. "I invite everyone to come join us in this fun-filled fundraiser benefiting a great cause. I am looking forward to a day of entertaining activities and I will also be plunging into the frigid waters of Hempstead Harbor. I look forward to seeing you there."

The event will feature entertainment from WBAB and WBLI, a Nassau County Police Department static display, a free breakfast served up by Panera Bread, and
children's activities including professional face painting.

Despite the rain in the forecast, as of Friday afternoon the Polar Plunge is set to begin at noon tomorrow.

"I hope the weather holds up and we all don't freeze," Schimel said. "But I'll still be going in the water, no matter what."

For more information about the Polar Plunge, call Jennifer Woishnis at (631) 254-1465, e-mail her at jwoishnis@nyso.org or visit www.specialolympicsny.org.