Polar Plunge benefits Special Olympics

Published 8:09 am Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Summer Stevens

About a dozen community members plunged into the icy-feeling Atlantic last Tuesday, February 23 to support the Dare County Special Olympics. Across the state, Special Olympics has urged supporters to “plunge in place” at home wherever water is available, be it a swimming pool or a bathtub.

According to Sandy Pace, co-coordinator for the Dare chapter, the fundraiser’s goal is $5,000; the group had raised $3,000 at the time of the plunge. As of Tuesday morning, March 3,  the local chapter’s fundraising link shows $5,373 raised. Donations go to support Special Olympic athletes, who never have to pay for participation. It is used to buy equipment, t-shirts and prizes.

Get the latest headlines sent to you

Among the participants were county commissioners Rob Ross and Ervin Bateman. “It’s going to be cold,” Bateman said before his dip in the ocean. “It’s for a great cause.”

Mary Pendill, who serves at the Special Olympics as a bowling coach, said “It’s such a worthwhile cause. More people need to get out and work with these individuals. It’s just wonderful.”

READ ABOUT MORE NEWS AND EVENTS HERE.

RECENT HEADLINES:

Manteo Rotary Club presents fellowship to horticulturist

Dare County employee receives 25-year service pin