They were “freezin’ for a reason.”
The water temperature in the Kahuna Bay Wave Pool at Splish Splash was flirting with 42 degrees yesterday morning, but the chilly water didn’t discourage a couple hundred determined folks from plunging in.
The second annual “polar plunge” event at Splish Splash was a fundraiser for Special Olympics New York to support the training and competition costs for Special Olympics athletes. Two hundred people registered to take the plunge, organizers said. They went into the pool in three groups or “waves.”
Yesterday’s event raised more than $29,000, according to the event fundraising website. The Frozen Waves, a team of students from the Riverhead Central School District, was the top team fundraiser, with $6,035 raised. The event was sponsored by Splish Splash, Riverhead PBA, Southampton PBA and L.I. Radio Broadcasting stations WEHM, WBAZ and WBEA.
Special Olympics New York has 71,889 athletes training and competing year-round in 22 Olympics-style sports. On Long Island alone, there are over 7,100 athletes that depend on the funds that come from events such as the Polar Plunge at Splish Splash.
Photos by Peter Blasl
The survival of local journalism depends on your support.
We are a small family-owned operation. You rely on us to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Just a few dollars can help us continue to bring this important service to our community.
Support RiverheadLOCAL today.
