FISHKILL – Braving a steady snowfall that covered Sharpe Reservation with more than three inches of new snow Saturday, people jumped into 34-degree water to raise money for Special Olympics New York. Members of the New York State Police Dive Team spent a few minutes removing the thin layer of ice that had collected on the reservoir surface before the first participants took the plunge.
A few minor setbacks, including poor driving conditions on the mountain roads, delayed the start of the event but spirits were not dampened, according to Teresa Gilli of Special Olympics New York. “I can’t begin to tell you how much our athletes appreciate the outpouring of support that the Fishkill Polar Plunge provides year after year.” Worried that the weather was going to keep people away, Gilli admitted to being nervous about the event this year. “I was wrong,” she said. “Look at all of the people that showed up to support our local athletes that compete in the Special Olympics in New York. Thanks to people who continue to take the plunge, we have raised more than $204,000 this year and donations are still being accepted,” Gilli proclaimed.
Donations can be made online by clicking here.
Some of the Mid-Hudson News photos taken at Sharpe Reservation on Saturday:
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