THE Belfast Trojans have joined forces with Special Olympics Ulster to call on people to get ‘Freezin’ for a Reason’ this December.
The American Football team jumped into the waters of Belfast harbour to help launch the Special Olympics Ulster Polar Plunge fundraiser. The main event takes place at the Belfast Marina behind the SSE Arena on Saturday December 12.
It will see hardy supporters jump into the icy waters of the city marina while raising money for Special Olympics athletes across Northern Ireland.
Special Olympic Ulster athletes were at the quayside to cheer on the brave plungers as they leapt into Belfast Harbour including Carole Catling, who won two gold medals in at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in LA this summer; Josh McGuigan and Sean McNearney from All Stars Special Olympics Club.
Laganside Rescue team provided a watchful eye over the athletes and plungers as the plunge got underway.
Special Olympics fundraiser John Kivlahan said: “This is a really fun event which I hope the people of Belfast and beyond will get behind. The Special Olympics Ulster Polar Plunge challenges people to get ‘Freezin’ for a Reason’ and will make a wonderful festive fundraiser for the charity.
"I would encourage everyone to sign up today at specialolympics.ie/polarplunge and help raise funds for these inspiring athletes.”
Chairman of the Belfast Trojans American Football Club, Barry Keil said: “The Belfast Trojans are pleased to be able to get involved and support the Special Olympics Ulster Polar Plunge this year.
"We hope that the team and our supporters will get on board with this great initiative and wish everyone luck with their fundraising for the big day.”
It is hoped the event will raise thousands of pounds to support local Special Olympics athletes. Separate plunges are also taking place at locations around the country on December 12 as part of a fundraising drive to support the sports charity organisation, which recently sent 88 athletes to the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles.
Special Olympics Ulster provides sporting opportunities for 2,043 athletes with an intellectual disability in 84 clubs across the region.
- Registration costs £15 and plungers are asked to raise an additional £35 which goes directly to supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities through sport and competition.
- Plungers who raise more than £50 will also receive a complimentary ‘Ice Cool’ Polar Plunge t-shirt.
- Those interested in signing up for the Polar Plunge can register at www.specialolympics.ie/polarplunge.
