As winter’s icy grip tightens, the brave hearts of Fishkill, New York, rally for the 26th annual Fishkill Polar Plunge. This year on February 17, the biting cold of Sharpe Reservation at Camp Mariah will bear witness to a spectacle of courage, camaraderie, and community. The cause? To bolster the athletic pursuits of individuals within the Hudson Valley region participating in the Special Olympics New York.
The Fishkill Polar Plunge is not an isolated event; it’s part of a grand tradition that stretches across New York State. Each local Polar Plunge contributes to a collective pool, with Buffalo setting the gold standard by raising a whopping $540,000 in December 2023. Last year, the Fishkill event alone added $228,000 to the tally. Teresa Gilli, the Director of Development for Special Olympics NY Hudson Valley region, has high hopes for this year’s fundraiser.
Entry into this frosty fray is simple. Prospective participants can register online or contact Gilli directly, either as single entrants or as part of a team. Businesses and schools often form teams, creating a sense of unity and friendly competition. Dutchess BOCES has consistently emerged victorious in the Cool School Challenge, and this year’s organizers are inviting more schools to join the contest. A virtual participation option is also available, ensuring inclusivity for all interested parties.
There’s more to this icy immersion than meets the eye. Based on the funds raised, participants are eligible for various rewards. At the event, hoodies are handed out as a token of appreciation and a badge of honor. Meanwhile, safety remains paramount. An EMS team is on standby, and participants are given the freedom to choose the depth of their plunge, whether a full dive or a simple touch of the water.
The significance of the Fishkill Polar Plunge extends far beyond a single day of frigid fun. The funds raised are instrumental in supporting Special Olympics New York’s programs which, despite rising costs, continue to provide training and competition opportunities free of charge for athletes, their families, and caregivers. Beyond the plunge itself, donations, sponsorships, and volunteering present additional avenues to support this noble cause.
