To the Editor: A Plunge for the Record Books

Thank you, Westport.

It is only because members of the Westport community have caring hearts and warmly embrace Special Olympics and its annual Penguin Plunge event that 475 people enthusiastically plunged into the chilly water at Compo Beach on March 6. A record-breaking $130,000 was raised in support of people with intellectual disabilities to fund Special Olympics' local, year-round programs. 

The Westport Penguin Plunge continues to be the largest plunge in the state for Special Olympics Connecticut and the largest fundraiser of the year for Special Olympics Connecticut, Southwest Region. Yes, it is an event we depend on to ensure we serve our athletes all year round with programs that change attitudes about people with intellectual disabilities and change the lives of all who are involved. Westport hosting and participating in this event means so much to our organization.

The Westport crew of volunteers that organizes and helps to run this event does a phenomenal job and ensures everyone has a safe, fun experience. Thank you to Westport Fire Department Chief Chris Ackley, Firefighter Jonathan Gottfried and the Westport Firefighters, Sgt. Dave Farrell and the Westport Police, Mike Falbo and friends with Westport Parks & Recreation Department, the amazing dive team and the members of the medical response team who gave of their time and talents. These individuals give so much back to others on a daily basis by providing safety and security, and yet find the time to support Special Olympics in a meaningful way through this event….even taking the plunge themselves!

It was great to have so many area businesses, schools and organizations involved this year, including USI, Staples High School, Bedford Middle School, TD Bank, HSBC, the Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce, Sterling & Sterling Inc., the Saugatuck Rowing Club, Black Duck Café and Insuring CT.com — to name a few. Media sponsors 95.9 The Fox and News 12 Connecticut were terrific partners to us this year as well.

Thank you to participants in the Penguin Plunge who fearlessly plunged with passion for the organization, and reached out to friends, family and colleagues to raise money for their cause! Spectators also added to the spirit and excitement of the day, cheering on the sidelines for the "waves" of plungers that dashed into Long Island Sound under exquisite sunny skies.

We are also grateful to our sponsor, Bob's Discount Furniture, who provided healthy snacks and hot beverages for all at the event, relying on the catering services of Westport-based BlueBelle Muffins and Doc's Café. The drinks, muffins and granola bars were welcomed treats that provided the boost of energy participants needed to make their leap into the frigid water!

Special Olympics is more than sports. It's a powerful movement that transforms communities by inspiring people to open their minds, to accept and include people with intellectual disabilities, and to celebrate the differences among all people. It also acknowledges and respects the similarities we all share. The Westport Penguin Plunge truly exemplifies this as it unifies the community and all gathered for the event share common goals – to recognize those with intellectual disabilities and help them realize their potential.

Please know that your support touches many lives. Special Olympics Connecticut currently serves 6,369 athletes with intellectual disabilities and 6,145 unified partners who train and compete alongside their peers with disabilities throughout the state – approximately 1,500 athletes in the southwest region of the state alone. Special Olympics Connecticut holds more than 50 events and competitions in 21 different sports every year.

The support you extend through the Westport Penguin Plunge is truly extraordinary and appreciated and we are touched, year after year, by the enthusiasm and joy that could be felt on the day of the plunge at Compo Beach and the generosity of participants and those who support them. The Special Olympics athletes who were there, and those who couldn't be there, will benefit as they train in sports they love and come together to compete in an atmosphere of acceptance, friendship and support!

Thanks again! See you at the beach again next year for another wild and crazy….and meaningful plunge!

Special Olympics Connecticut, Southwest Region Staff

Lisa Vane, Debbie Horne, Jen Williams and Marie Domack