Westport Penguin Plunge to benefit Special Olympics

There will be the warm feeling of community spirit and joy in the air at this year's Annual Westport Penguin Plunge to benefit Special Olympics--even if the water's a bit chilly.  All are invited to support local Special Olympics athletes by coming out to plunge with them and their friends on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at Compo Beach (Compo Beach Road).  Pre-registration is encouraged and is currently underway. To register online, go o to www.soct.org/penguinplunges/westport . To request a participation packet or learn about sponsorship opportunities to showcase your business at the event, contact Special Olympics at 203-380-9990 ext. 604 or debbieh@soct.org. And, look for information about the event on facebook. Check-in and day-of-event registration will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the pavilion, and the plunge will take place at 2:30 p.m.

In addition to the excitement and fun of the plunge, Bob's Discount Furniture, a major sponsor of the event, will donate hot beverages and energizing snacks for participants. 95.9 The Fox, the radio sponsor for the event, will provide music and announcements, as well as have a team plunging!

Attire should be a costume, team jersey or bathing suit. Event t-shirts will be provided. Towels and water shoes are recommended. Registration and signed waiver forms are required and the minimum donation to plunge is $50. (Waivers for those under 18 must be signed by a parent/guardian.)  Spectators are welcome.

Registering early, as an individual or team, qualifies participants to receive incentives such as gift cards and awards  will be given to the top fundraising individual, team, and school, and for the individual or team with the best costume. Athletic teams, civic organizations, families, students and teams representing local businesses are invited to take the plunge – and dash into Long Island Sound in the company of friends for a good cause.  

Last year's event drew 424 plungers and raised over $100,000 to support Special Olympics' year-round sports training programs and competitions for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their peers.

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities; giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness , demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Through their participation in Special Olympics, individuals demonstrate that there are no limits to human potential or the human spirit. In Connecticut, more than 6,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities participate and more than 50 competitions are held annually. To learn more about Special Olympics, visit www.soct.org or call 203-380-9990.                     --##--