Registration for Special Olympics CT Penguin Plunge in New London Now Open

NEW LONDON, CT – Special Olympics Connecticut announced Tuesday that online registration is now open for its annual frosty fundraiser, the Penguin Plunge.

The event will be held at locations across Connecticut this winter.

This popular, annual fundraiser encourages communities to come together and plunge into the icy waters of a lake or ocean to raise awareness and support for the close to 13,000 athletes of all abilities who participate in sports training and competitions offered by Special Olympics Connecticut, year-round.

All are invited to take the plunge for Special Olympics - including individuals, friends and families, and teams representing schools, businesses, organizations and clubs.

Everyone who registers online will receive a free T-shirt, and new software that connects donor pages to a participant’s social media accounts will make fundraising easier.

The 2017 Penguin Plunges will take place at:

• Winding Trails in Farmington, Sunday, Jan. 29
• Highland Lake in Winsted, Saturday, Feb. 4
• The Polish Falcon Club at Crystal Lake in Middletown, Saturday, Feb. 25
• Ocean Bean Park in New London (Shoreline), Sunday, March 5
• Compo Beach in Westport, Saturday, March 25

Penguin Plunges provide a fun, festive atmosphere and also offer music, refreshments, awards and parades of plungers in costume to enjoy. To join in the fun, participants must raise a minimum of $100 and be at least eight years old.

In addition to the awards for top fundraisers and best costume, incentive prizes are awarded to those who meet fundraising goals.

For more information about the Penguin Plunge, visit www.soct.org, and follow Special Olympics Connecticut on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (#penguinplungesoct).

About Special Olympics Connecticut

Special Olympics Connecticut provides year-round sports training and competitions for close to 13,000 athletes of all ages with intellectual disabilities and Unified Sports® partners - their teammates without disabilities. Through the joy of sport, the Special Olympics movement transforms lives and communities throughout the state and in 170 countries around the world by promoting good health and fitness and inspiring inclusion and respect for all people, on and off the playing field.

Image via Debbie Horne.