Over 100 Participate in NHempstead “Polar Plunge”

North Hempstead held its 10th annual “Polar Plunge” last Saturday, with over 100 local residents participating.

The Plunge was held at the Hempstead Harbor- North Hempstead Beach Park on a sunny 36 degree New York Saturday. The event-generated proceeds benefited the Special Olympics of New York. Over 40 athletes participated in the event, and another 75 participated from the water’s edge.

Leading the charge was Town Supervisor Jen DeSena, who helped to revive the Polar Plunge after it had been discontinued under COVID-19 and was not to be revived.

Local residents from Great Neck reached out to Supervisor DeSena to revive the event - and starting last year she did. This year DeSena led the charge from the front – as she herself took the plunge.

“It was really COLD!” said DeSena to this reporter, as she raced out of the icy water.

“I loved what I did !” added Manhasset High School Basketball Coach Gerard Fay, who came out to take the “plunge” for the first time.

Fay was most proud of his student athletes - over 20 of whom showed up to the event to give support to the Special Olympics. Manhasset High has a great coach and mentor as evidence by the love and support of his players.

Local Fire Fighters and an Ambulance were on site for safety reasons however, everyone left in good shaped - despite being a little colder.

Waiting for those brave souls was hot soup and hot coffee. The event was a great display of the residents of North Hempstead coming out on a Saturday – raising money for a good cause – The Special Olympics.