2nd Annual Polar Plunge Hosted By Town Of Huntington

NORTHPORT, NY — The Town of Huntington held its 2nd annual Polar Plunge on Sunday at Frank P. Petrone Crab Meadow Beach.

The event saw 14 teams and more than 100 participants plunge into the ice-cold waters of the Long Island Sound to support Special Olympics New York.

Huntington Councilmembers Joan Cergol and Dave Bennardo sponsored the event.

“Special Olympians serve as a shining example of the amazing things people can accomplish when given the opportunity to excel,” said Cergol, who sponsored the inaugural event in 2021. “My thanks go out to our generous donors and the many plungers who braved cold waters to helpprovide those opportunities.”

Special Olympics New York, incorporated in 1970, is the largest Special Olympics chapter in the United States, according to the Town of Huntington. It serves more than 31,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities. Approximately 5,000 of them participate in the Long Island regional competitions at no charge.

Proceeds from the Polar Plunge help provide these athletes with year-round sports training and competition, leadership opportunities, health screenings, and inclusion programs.

The event’s top fundraising team this year was The Chillers, composed of the four Town of Huntington Councilmembers and their staff. Councilman Salvatore Ferro was ranked #1 among individual fundraisers.

In total, the 2nd Annual Polar Plunge brought in more than $22,000 in donations and sponsorships, surpassing last year's fundraising haul of approximately $20,000.

Major sponsors included the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce, John’s Crazy Socks, LaRoq Productions, and Yes Men Outfitters.

“The Special Olympics showcases some of our region's most determined athletes, and our Town Council office team is proud to support this wonderful cause,” Bennardo said.