BURLINGTON – With the success of their recent Penguin Plunge last month, and with the cold weather looking to stick around for awhile longer, Special Olympics Vermont has scheduled a second Burlington event slated to take place on July 8th. The event will be a fundraiser for the group, which provides athletic opportunities to individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The Penguin Plunge is an event that sees teams or individuals dive into the icy waters of Lake Champlain in frigid temperatures in exchange for sponsorship money from friends, family, or even local businesses. Generally the event is held in February when the temperature are at their coldest, but current forecasts predict that Spring will not arrive this year until early August, so organizers saw a chance to double up on the fun.
“We’re so fortunate to live in a state where winter isn’t just coming, but never actually leaves,” said Sue Minter, President and CEO of Special Olympics Vermont. “They said spring is coming in August, but if it doesn’t we may schedule another plunge for September. As long as there is ice in the lake, we feel comfortable holding the event. Right now that looks like July at least, but who knows?”
For those who cannot wait until July to immerse themselves in freezing water for a good cause, the organization will also hold a Penguin Plunge event in Stratton this coming Saturday.
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