‘Freezin’ for a Reason’ - annual Rathmullan Polar Plunge takes place next month

Swimming enthusiasts are being asked to get ‘Freezin’ for a Reason’ next month as part of the ‘coolest’ fundraising event of the year.

Donegal’s Polar Plunge will take place at Rathmullan Strand from 3pm on Saturday, February 18.

The event was last held in 2019, when crowds of people including families, Special Olympic Athletes, businesses and individuals turned out to take part in this unique fundraising event, bravely plunging into icy cold waters.  

Special Olympics are hoping that this year’s event will be just as popular with potential plungers, so that much needed funds for the organisation and its athletes can be raised.  

Speaking at the launch, Special Olympics Ireland’s Ulster region director, Shaun Cassidy said Special Olympics Ulster is delighted to be able to launch the Polar Plunge this year in Rathmullan.

"Now in its sixth year, the Polar Plunge fundraiser is a great community event and this year will be even better than before. Every day, the athletes of Special Olympics Ulster step up to meet the challenges of the sport that they love and do so with a smile.

"We would encourage everyone to sign up today and take on a fun challenge in support of these inspirational athletes. We would like to thank the Athletes of Little Angels Special School in Letterkenny and Rathmullan House for supporting this launch.” 

Special Olympics Ireland provides sporting opportunities for nearly 8,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities across over 200 clubs all over Ireland.  

Those who think they are brave enough to take the Polar Plunge can register at https://www.specialolympics.ie/polar-plunge-rathmullan  

Registration costs just €15 with plungers encouraged to raise an additional €25.

Plungers who raise an additional €25 receive a complimentary Polar Plunge t-shirt. 

To keep up to date with Special Olympics Ulster events and athletes, follow the organisation on Twitter, @SOIreland @SO_Ulster and on Facebook, www.facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsUlster

A spokesman for the local development group, Rathmullan – The Way Forward,  says they are delighted to be able to facilitate the 2023 Polar Plunge.

"Come join us and get Chilly in the Swilly," he added.

At the launch of the Polar Plunge at a snowy Rathmullan were Fr Martin Collum, Shaun Cassidy, regional director Special Olympics Ulster, John Gallagher, Patrick Quinlivan, Katie McAteer, Mick McGlynn, Damian Rogers, Conal Drislane and Patricia McAteer

Special Olympics Ireland is delighted that its long-term charity partner, Gala Retail, has once again kindly sponsored this year’s Polar Plunge events, which are organised in collaboration with The Law Enforcement Torch Run. 

Funds raised from this year’s Polar Plunge events will help to support Special Olympics Ireland’s clubs and athletes, who have been taking part in Advancement Events in recent months in the hope of being selected as one of only 73 athletes who will represent Team Ireland at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin next June.