Cold Water, Warm Hearts

Spotlight Group 0216 Feat

After a successful maiden voyage into icy waters, members of the Long Island Pool and Spa Association are once again preparing to take the frigid plunge as part of a Polar Plunge fundraiser for Special Olympics on March 19.

Last March, the group quite literally broke the ice and made waves as part of an effort that raised more than $50,000 for local Special Olympics aquatic competitions. The event drew 453 brave participants to Tobay Beach near Long Island's Oyster Bay for a brief, bone-chilling dip.

"It snowed the night before and flurried that morning," recalls LIPSA member and event organizer Bill Hanley. (Hanley also serves as sales manager for LOOP-LOC.) "They had to clear the ice before the event started. I'm not sure what the water temperature was exactly, but it was really cold!"

The daunting conditions didn't stop participants from shedding their warm clothes and quickly wading into the bone-chilling water. "It's not something you'd want to do everyday," Hanley adds, "but when it's for this kind of important cause, you just show up and jump in. Despite the cold, we had a great time!"

Hanley explained the chapter's decision to take on the event is part of a region-wide industry effort to benefit swimmers of all types. (LIPSA is a chapter of the Northeast Spa and Pool Association, which makes donations to Special Olympics and other philanthropies under the auspices of the NESPA Foundation.) LIPSA's board members were inspired by a similar event and fundraising drive organized by NESPA's Metro Chapter.

Another reason the chapter returned to the Polar Plunge event: Special Olympics has a regional structure, meaning contributions are directed to local competitions.

"Special Olympics is a great national organization," Hanley says, "but it was nice to know the funds would benefit people right here in our local community."

Most important of all, he says, taking part in the event gives chapter members an opportunity to promote and support the profound benefits of athletic competition for people living with mental challenges.

"Obviously we want to promote swimming and the pool industry in the best and most positive way possible," he says, "but this was about more than just that. When you watch these athletes compete and also listen to what their parents have to say, you quickly come understand just how much it means to both the competitors and their families."

If you're in the area next month, head on out to the beach and cheer the polar bears on!

For more information or to make a donation, visit aqmag.co/polarplunge16

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