"We probably had about 250 people go into the water today. Absolutely insane, but they had a lot of fun. And they helped us generate friends and raise awareness for our athletes and our programs," said Neal Johnson, CEO Special Olympics NY.

All of the funds raised from Saturday's plunge will stay locally, and benefit athletes in Central New York.

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In 1968, Special Olympics invited the world to let go of limiting views, prejudices and misconceptions about people with intellectual disabilities and embrace the idea that they can be respected, valued, contributing members of society.

There is no charge to Special Olympics athletes to participate in the movement. Individual donors, corporate partners and many others make it possible for Special Olympics New York to offer children and adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy through participation in the program.

For every family with a family member who has intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics is a symbol of hope. In order to provide these services, Special Olympics New York holds fund-raisers, accepts a variety of donations, grants and corporate sponsorships.

From 1969 to today, the Special Olympics New York movement includes more than 40,000 athletes who train and compete in 22 sports. Despite that growth, the Special Olympics movement touches just a small percentage of people in New York with intellectual disabilities.

Get involved!
Become a Fund-raiser today and SUPPORT Special Olympics New York.

Special Olympics New York offers many events to get involved with. From Golf Events, Galas, Walk-A-Thons, Cycling Contest, Law Enforcement Torch Run events, 5 and 10K's, visit the fund-raising calendar and find an event that interests you.

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That's very cool Dee!  Feb. 7th is also the start of the World Special Olympics in Idaho. 

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Special Olympics New York’s “Be a fan” Weekend, February 6-8 in Rochester
Volunteers Needed for 2009 Winter Games, February 7 Participants Needed for 9th Annual Polar Plunge, February 8

2009 Winter Games, Saturday, February 7All events free and open to the public

Volunteers are needed to:

Set up and break down sports venues, present medals, distribute lunches, sell merchandise, and help with the Olympic Village and Victory Dance.

Staff the following athletic venues: Alpine and nordic skiing, figure and speed skating, snowshoeing and floor hockey.

The deadline for volunteer registration is January 16th. For more information on volunteering, please visit www.specialolympicsNY.org and click on Winter Games, email volunteer@nyso.org or call 1-800-836-6976. To sponsor an athlete through a financial contribution, please e-mail Susan MacBryde at smacbryde@nyso.org.

Over 1,000 athletes and coaches from across the state will join in the Winter Games, featuring Floor Hockey at the Fair & Expo Center, Floor Hockey Skills at Victory Baptist Church Gym,
Figure and Speed Skating at the Skating Institute of Rochester, Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing at Bristol Mountain Summit Nordic Center and Alpine Skiing at Bristol Mountain Winter Resort.

Winter Games is one of three annual state games and one of more than 3,872 total competitions held each year throughout New York. All events are free and open to the public.

Opening Ceremonies: Friday, February 6 at 8 PM at ESL Sports Centre, featuring the Parade of Athletes, entertainment and the lighting of the Special Olympics Cauldron.

Athletic Competition: Saturday, February 7, beginning at 9 AM in six Olympic-style sports. For a detailed schedule visit www.specialolympicsNY.org

Special Olympics New York, which does not charge athletes to participate, provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for more than 46,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Winter Games is made possible through the generosity of Statewide sponsors New York State United Teachers and Civil Service Employees Association; Presenting sponsor, Wegmans Food Markets; Media sponsors, WHAM / WHTK Radio; Gold sponsors, Knights of Columbus, WalMart and Monroe County Sports Commission, Silver sponsor Federation of New York Insurance Professionals and Bronze sponsor CVS Caremark.

9th Annual Rochester Polar Plunge, Sunday, February 8
The largest Special Olympics fundraising event in the Genesee Region.

A Polar Plunge is a chance to plunge into the winter waters off Charlotte Beach to show support and raise money for the athletes of Special Olympics New York.

Plungers are asked to raise a minimum of $60 to take the plunge and receive an official plunge sweatshirt. Students can raise a minimum of $25. Plunge Teams who pre-register are also eligible to win prizes. The event is free for spectators.

Plungers are able to set up their very own Personal Plunge Page to fundraise online and reach out to all of their contacts with a click of the mouse.

For more information on becoming a Polar Plunger, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org or www.PolarPlunge.net. Statewide sponsors are New York State United Teachers, Law Enforcement Torch Run, New York State Correctional Officers Police Benevolent Association; and the Civil Service Employees Association, with Media Sponsor WBEE / WPYX Radio.

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I'm so proud to say my oldest son will be a part of this fundraiser..He will be greeting customers..(thank goodness he's not a server.. just not one of his talents..)
He has been a volunteer with the Special Olympics for many years..He started with the ARC here in our County when he was 15..and has truly loved being a part of it..

Applebees Fundraiser

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You can give your support in so many ways..So many people do not realize how much work..time..money and effort goes on behind the scenes..not to mention the love and care..

They need your help in so many ways..The list is endless..

"

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