North Hempstead to hold "Polar Plunge" for Special Olympics

By Mark Demetropoulos

On Saturday February 3rd the Town of North Hempstead will hold its annual Polar Plunge from which the proceeds will benefit the Special Olympics of New York.

Roughly 40 athletes - or those who like to swim in cold water - from ages 8 and up will take a plunge into the waters at North Hempstead Beach Park. The opening ceremonies will begin at 10AM.

The Polar Plunge will help fund the New York Special Olympics, which organizes Olympic-style sporting events for children and adults with disabilities living in New York State, and helps them compete in realm of sports.

Erin Lipinsky, a Great Neck resident, will make this his 10th year for participating in the Plunge. Last year, in 2023, Lipinsky raised $28,000, which made him the top fundraiser of the event.

“We are thrilled to once again host the Polar Plunge at North Hempstead Beach Park,” stated North Hempstead Supervisor Jen DeSena. “The Special Olympics New York continues to inspire us with the incredible work that they do, and we are extraordinarily grateful for all the plungers who brave the cold to raise money for such a worthy cause.”

For those brave souls who want to take the plunge:

Visit: http://events.nyso.org/2024northhempsteadpp. From there you will be able to form a team, invite your family and friends to join, create your own Personal Plunge Page, and send it out to your contacts. Also - Registration for the event begins at 9 a.m. For more information, please call 311 or (516) 869-6311.