CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCE CENTER Read More
Add To Favorites

MARLBOROUGH - It will be a frigid start to St. Patrick's

The MetroWest Daily News - 3/16/2018

MARLBOROUGH - It will be a frigid start to St. Patrick's Day for many at the Massachusetts Special Olympics headquarters.

Corporate teams and individuals will plunge into the icy waters of a swimming pool in the spirit of giving during Saturday's third annual Torch Run Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Massachusetts.

The plunge was initially scheduled for March 3, but dangerous weather conditions forced its postponement.

Marlborough Police Officer Andy LaRose and the Special Olympics have partnered the past three years to put on the plunge, which raises much-needed funds for Special Olympics. Money raised pays for uniforms, medals and practice and competition venues, said Stephanie Esposito, events, marking and activation manager for Special Olympics Massachusetts.

It costs about $390 per year per athlete for the organization to operate its various programs and competitions, said Megan Hoffman, assistant vice president of development for the Law Enforcement Torch Run at Special Olympics Massachusetts. More than 12,000 athletes participate in Special Olympics programs across the state.

The plunge raised $5,000 in its first year in Marlborough and $20,000 last year. Officials are hoping to top the $20,000 mark this year. Corporate teams and individuals have been competing among themselves to see who can raise the most money.

"It puts the fire in them to bring in more dollars," said Hoffman. "We have quite a few teams that use it as a team bonding event."

Each plunger must raise a minimum of $100.

The fundraiser offers the opportunity for corporate teams and individuals to interact with Special Olympics athletes and learn about initiatives, such as unified sports, where athletes with and without disabilities participate as teammates.

"What the fundraisers do is tie the inclusive message to the money we need raised," said Charles Hirsch, communications manager for Special Olympics Massachusetts. "We want to create inclusive communities. It lightens the mood and gets everyone talking."

The plunge will be held at the Special Olympics Massachusetts headquarters on Forest Street. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and folks will dive into the water at 11 a.m.

"It's a really fun atmosphere," said Hoffman.

Individuals and teams can sign up by visiting www.polarplungema.org. Residents can also register the day of the event.

Jeff Malachowski can be reached at 508-490-7466 or jmalachowski@wickedlocal.com. Follow him on Twitter @JmalachowskiMW.