Pollies and Police join the Polar Plunge at Corrigans for Special Olympics Fundraiser
On Sunday 3 August, over 50 brave souls waded, paddled and plunged into the waters of Corrigan’s Beach to support Special Olympics South Coast athletes and volunteers to raise funds for their club.South Coast is one of 9 NSW Special Olympics clubs from around the state (and ACT) who took the plunge this weekend.
The Polar Plunge is an initiative of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), the charity run by the Police.
Batemans Bay Surf Life Saving Club were in attendance to ensure the safety of the plungers.
MC for the day, Scott McNairn, Events Manager for Eurobodalla Shire did an amazing job enthusing the participants and spectators.
Chair of Special Olympics South Coast, Kathy Godwin said “We’re overwhelmed and gratified by the support shown to this event by our local community.”
Plungers included local police personnel, Special Olympics athletes and volunteers, Disability service providers, including Round Squared, Lets Talk Speak Out, Denhams Dippers – a group of swimmers who ocean swim all year round, ·Eurobodalla Shire Environment team as well as Dr Michael Holland, MP for Bega and Liza Butler, State Member for South Coast.
Despite overcast conditions and some gusts of rain, the event was immensely successful, raising close to $18,000 so the athletes can continue to have uniforms, train and travel to competitions in their van.
Sports Manager for South Coast SO, Karen Hawke said “Everyone was so happy and engaged. I love how everyone helped and encouraged each other”.
Special Olympian Jason was generous in his sharing of wet hugs with people who weren’t game to plunge!
Special O athlete Tony: “This is fun! “ (and in he went for another plunge!!)
Alan Keane, LETR: “This is an amazing turnout. Even though South Coast is a small club, they took on the challenge of the Plunge, and look how well it’s turned out!”
Kathy Porteous, Vice Chair, who brought her son Mitchell all the way from Bega: “It was so worth the trip. SO is such a great group for people with disability”.
Videos and photos of the day can be seen on Facebook: Special Olympics Australia – South Coast. People interested in joining South Coast either as an athlete or volunteer can contact us through this FB page.
