Ald. O'Shea Challenges Local High Schools To Take the Polar Plunge

CHICAGO, IL- - Ald. Matt O’Shea (19th) has challenged sports teams from several South sSde high schools to participate in the 17th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge, which will take place Sunday, March 5 at North Avenue Beach. The Chicago Polar Plunge benefits the 6,800 athletes of the Special Olympics Chicago program.

O’Shea has invited sports teams and students from high schools Mother McAuley, Brother Rice, St. Rita, Marist, Mt. Carmel, St. Laurence, Morgan Park, Saint Ignatius, the Chicago Agricultural High School for the Sciences, and Saint Xavier University to join him in jumping in Lake Michigan for this great cause.

“Team sports foster a sense of camaraderie and respect among young people, and the Chicago Polar Plunge is a great opportunity to connect local athletes with disabilities with high school student athletes in a spirit of friendship for their mutual benefit,” O’Shea said. “This is a great opportunity to spread our message of inclusion, and for athletes to give back to other athletes.”

Polar Plunge participants are asked to generate a minimum of $200 in pledges to benefit Special Olympics programing. However, students participating through this challenge are offered a discounted $100 rate to make the event more affordable for young people. In addition, any school with a minimum of 20 students will receive free transportation to and from the event. The alderman will also host a celebratory pizza party for all students participating.

O’Shea is a board member of SCC/Special Olympics Chicago, and is a veteran Chicago Polar Plunger. He has participated in and fundraised for the event for over a decade.

The Chicago Polar Plunge is the largest fundraiser of the year for Special Olympics Chicago, and helps to provide funding for year-round activities, events and competitions for Chicago-area Special Olympics athletes. Through the years, the event has attracted the participation of city of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, “The Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon, actor Vince Vaughn, musician and artist Lady Gaga, the casts of Chicago Fire, Chicago PD,and Chicago Med, The TODAY Show personalities Al Roker, Tamron Hall and Dylan Dreyer.

Any students interested in this challenge should email mattoshea@the19thward.com.

For more information on the Chicago Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Chicago, please call 312.527.3743; or email polarplunge@sochicago.org

Submitted by Maura Bruton