Photo: Credit: Douglas Sacha; Illistration: Jake Underwood
CLEVELAND - The Cleveland Cavaliers are a proud sponsor of the 2023 Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Ohio. For the first time, the annual event will take place outside Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Gateway Plaza, where an 18’ x 9’ x 52” pool will be set up for polar plungers to take an icy dip to raise funds to support programs for the 20,000 Special Olympics Ohio athletes.
The fun-filled event will take place on Saturday, February 25th, from 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m., with registration starting at 10 a.m. In the spirit of “Freezin’ for a Reason,” participants will show their enthusiasm for the cause by wearing crazy costumes accentuating a boost of adrenaline as they prepare to take the plunge. Cavs in-arena hype man, Ahmaad Crump, will be the emcee for the day.
The festivities will include music provided by DJ Ben Hegarty, a 50/50 raffle, and the always entertaining costume contest before the plunge. Joining the fun Cavs mascot and avid artic swimmer, the beloved polar bear Whammer will come out of retirement to encourage participants to jump in. The Cleveland Monsters will bring out interactive games for everyone on Gateway Plaza. The Cavs Team Shop kiosk inside Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse at Portal 16 will be open, with proceeds from sales going to Special Olympics Ohio. Plus, enjoy free hot chocolate and coffee provided by Sheetz.
Cleveland’s Polar Plunge is one of seven scheduled in communities across Ohio from January through March. Participants are invited to participate in person or virtually with their teams to support the 20,000 Special Olympics Athletes throughout Ohio. Participation in the in-person or virtual event is open by visiting clepolarplunge.org.
The impact of Polar Plunge supports year-round sports training and competition, health education, and leadership programs for 20,000 Special Olympics Ohio athletes.
By fundraising $75 or more, participants help provide opportunities for athletes at no cost to them while creating a greater sense of belonging for everyone in the community.
About Special Olympics Ohio
Special Olympics Ohio is part of the global inclusion movement using sports, health, education, and leadership programs to empower people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Ohio provides year-round sports training and competition in 19 different sports for 20,000 children and adults, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.
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