Associate Professor of Biology Dr. David Dunbar prepares to take the plunge at the 2009 event.
Cabrini College once again is working with the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania (SOPA) for the organization's annual Polar Bear Plunge.
On Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010, those who dare to bear the cold will plunge into the Delaware River at Neshaminy State Park in Bensalem, Pa. for the Eastern Polar Plunge, which last year raised nearly $15,000. The College and SOPA are seeking community members to participate in the event, which benefits more than 20,000 SOPA athletes.
The event includes a contest for the most creative adult and youth plunge costumes, an ice sculpture contest, and the plunge. The day will include on-site music with a disc jockey from 102.9FM WMGK and free refreshments. Awards will be presented to individuals and teams who raise the most money wear.
Anyone is eligible to register (as an individual, or in teams of 10), and you don't have to take the plunge. Registrants are asked to raise a minimum of $50, or $500 for a team, by generating pledges from family, friends, and colleagues. Corporate, school, and community teams can set up tents and hang banners at the event. Pledges can be made by clicking on the Polar Bear Plunge tab at www.specialolympicspa.org.
Volunteer opportunities, such as helping with set up and registration, also are available.
According to www.DelawareRiver.net, a reference for fishermen and campers, water temperature for the river in January ranges from 36 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit.
For more information or to register, visit www.specialolympics.org or contact Demika Poole (610-630-9450, ext. 226) or Traci Beltz (teb727@cabrini.edu).
SOPA is the Commonwealth's largest year-round organization devoted to sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. In addition to the Polar Bear Plunge, Cabrini has partnered with SOPA on the organization's Winter Ski Sectional and their Bowling Olympics.