The 2010 East Haven Penguin Plunge to benefit Special Olympics

REGISTER NOW TO Make A Splash for Special Olympics

Don't miss out on a fun day at the beach by participating in this year's Annual Penguin Plunge to benefit Special Olympics in East Haven. All are invited to "take the plunge" to support local Special Olympics athletes  at East Haven Town Beach, located at the end of Cosey Beach Avenue,  on Saturday, December 4^th (2010).  Register online at www.soct.org/penguin plunges/ east haven as an individual or as part of a team with friends, relatives, colleagues, or classmates. To request a registration packet or find out more, contact Special Olympics at 203-380-9990 ext. 604 or debbieh@soct.org. Also, look for the event on facebook. Check-in on the day of the event will begin at 11 a.m. and the plunge will take place promptly at 1 p.m.

Sponsors, who would like to make a donation of $250 or $500 and be recognized with a listing or logo on the t-shirt all the plungers will be wearing, are being sought for the event, as are donated items and gift certificates from area businesses for the prize drawing that will be held that day. If you can help, call 203-380-9990 ext. 604 or email debbieh@soct.org.

By registering early, individuals or teams have the opportunity to earn incentive prizes and awards will be presented to the top fundraising individual, team and school, and for  best costume. All who are 8 years and older are invited to take the plunge – and dash into Long Island Sound in the company of friends for a good cause. Participants should wear a costume, team jersey or bathing suit. Towels and water shoes are recommended. Event t-shirts will be provided. A minimum donation of $50 per plunger and signed waiver form is required of each participant. (If a plunger is under 18, a parent or guardian's signature is also required.) Spectators are welcome.

In addition to the excitement and fun of the plunge, the Sandpiper Restaurant will donate hot, homemade clam chowder for participants and hot dogs and other snacks donated by Entenmann's will be provided. Radio station 99.1 WPLR will provide music and announcements, with assistance from Special Olympics athletes.  Local firefighters and town officials will provide volunteer assistance and participate to make this event possible. And, divers will remain in the water during the plunge to ensure everyone's safety.

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, including a Bowling Qualifier Tournament that will take place at AMF Lanes in East Haven on Sunday, October 31^st. To learn more about Special Olympics, visit www.soct.org or call 203-380-9990.