Pittsburgh Polar Plunge Raises Record-Breaking $1 Million
(Pittsburgh, PA – February 27, 2024) - Special Olympics Three Rivers Region has announced that the 14th annual Pittsburgh Polar Plunge shattered its original fundraising goal of $750,000 over the weekend raising a staggering $1,075,901, an increase of nearly 50% over last year’s totals. This marks the first time in history Special Olympics Pennsylvania has raised more than a million dollars in a single fundraiser.
More than 4,300 plungers from local schools, community groups and corporations were “freezin’ for a reason” as they plunged into frigid waters outside of Acrisure Stadium (February 23-24) and at Station Square (Feb 2) to raise funds in support of the region’s more than 4,000 Special Olympics athletes.
“Pittsburgh continues to show up in huge ways for Special Olympics athletes in our community,” said Andrew Fee, Executive Director for Special Olympics Pennsylvania, Three Rivers Region. “This incredible milestone will help us increase our impact in the community by getting more individuals with intellectual disabilities engaged with our life-changing programming. Because of this historic achievement, we will be able grow the number of schools involved with Special Olympics as well as offer more sports, health, and leadership opportunities – at no charge – to athletes around our region.”
The Polar Plunge events kicked off February 2 with the Super Plunge at Station Square and continued over the past weekend at Acrisure Stadium. Additionally, nearly 2,000 students from around the region participated in the Cool Schools plunge Friday morning and local corporations raised over $100,000 on Friday evening at a happy hour plunge hosted by Pittsburgh Brewing Co. and sponsored by Calgon Carbon. More than 60 corporate sponsors partnered with Special Olympics to make this year’s event possible.
The annual Polar Plunge fundraiser helps to support the local region’s quality training and competitions in 24 sports, leadership training, and health initiatives for Special Olympics athletes throughout the year.
About Special Olympics Pennsylvania
Special Olympics Pennsylvania provides year-round training and competition in 21 Olympic-type sports to more than 13,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities or closely related developmental disabilities. For more information about how you can join “The Inclusion Revolution,” visit www.specialolympicspa.org.
Super Collaboration for a Cause: Special Olympics
Super Collaboration for a Cause: Special Olympics, WPXI's 11 Cares, Caliente's Pizza & Draft House, oneBURGH and Melderverse Join Forces for the Polar Plunge
December 4, 2023 - Pittsburgh, PA
In a remarkable show of community engagement and unity for a noble cause, Special Olympics PA has partnered with WPXI's 11 Cares, Caliente's Pizza & Draft House, oneBURGH and Melderverse to support the upcoming Polar Plunge festivities. This collaboration, spanning three months and culminating on the plunge date, February 24, 2024, aims to raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics PA.
Special Olympics PA and the Polar Plunge
The Pittsburgh Polar Plunge is a series of events to support Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA). Plungers dip a toe, wade, or jump on into icy pools. Funds raised from the plunge fund operating costs for the 4,000 athletes in The Three Rivers Region that participate in Special Olympics activities across the state of Pennsylvania. There are many ways to support and participate. Key dates include February 2, 2024 at Station Square for the Super Plunge and February 23rd and 24th at Acrisure Stadium for the Cool Schools Plunge, Happy Hour Plunge, and Polar Plunge.
WPIX's 11 Cares: A Pillar of Support
11 Cares has committed to making the Polar Plunge its pillar initiative for the first quarter of 2024. This involvement aligns perfectly with the channel's mission to use the power of its voice to provide resources and bring awareness to community efforts. 11 Cares will come together with its partners (84 Lumber, Clearview Federal Credit Union, Duquesne Light, Highmark Wholecare, and Edgar Snyder Associates) to help make a difference, inspiring the community to lend a hand to support the Special Olympics and the Polar Plunge.
A Culinary Tribute: Caliente's Polar Plunge Pizza
In a delicious twist of philanthropy, Caliente Pizza & Draft House will introduce a special "Polar Plunge Pizza" throughout January-February. The pizza will be a five-cheese pizza featuring Caliente's new vodka sauce. For every pizza sold, $2 will be donated to the Polar Plunge. Further amplifying their support, Caliente's will host a Day of Giving Back on January 24, where a percentage of sales will be contributed to the event. Special Olympic athletes will grace the Caliente locations, offering autographs and engaging with patrons. Additionally, customers can purchase a $5 polar bear cutout to adorn the walls of Caliente restaurants, symbolizing their support for the athletes and the cause.
oneBURGH: The #1 Pittsburgh Social Media Network
Pittsburgh's largest social media community, oneBURGH, will help drive awareness for the Polar Plunge to its fans and followers. Over the next few months, oneBURGH will share entertaining and informative posts weekly about the Special Olympics mission, programs and Polar Plunge activities. They will also be coordinating fun activities including a Pizza Eating Contest at Caliente's in January 2024 and the onePLUNGE Showdown, a special contest for prizes during the Happy Hour Plunge on February 23, 2024. Follow oneBURGH on Facebook (facebook.com/PittsburghPA) for further details and updates.
Melderverse: Holiday Palooza
Melderverse is hosting the Holiday Palooza, a 30-day series of virtual daily challenges (games, puzzles, and brain teasers) where participants can win exciting prizes. Each day the Melderverse Game Master will unveil a new challenge that will entertain and ignite a competitive spirit. The number of daily prizes and winners will increase as the pool of participants increases. Participants can learn more and sign up at melderverse.com.
Join Us in Making a Splash!
We invite the public to join in this heartwarming endeavor. Whether you "Plunge into Calientes" to savor a slice of the Polar Plunge Pizza or buy a Polar Bear cutout, compete in Melderverse's Holiday Palooza, or attend the various events and festivities in February, your involvement can make a real difference.
Together, we can turn this plunge into a wave of support for the Special Olympics and the incredible athletes who inspire us all. Let’s make the Polar Plunge a landmark event of unity, generosity, and community spirit!
About Melderverse
Melderverse, a Pittsburgh-based technology company, is a next-generation social platform that melds mobile, gaming, and augmented reality to create immersive experiences. Visit melderverse.com for more information.
About Special Olympics PA
Special Olympics Pennsylvania provides year-round athletic training and competition in 24 Olympic-type sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities. These opportunities offer children and adults with intellectual disabilities to develop physical fitness skills, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. Visit specialolympicspa.org for more information.
About WPXI's 11 Cares
The mission of 11 Cares is to use the power of our voice to provide our resources and bring awareness to community efforts. 11 Cares collaborates with its partners (84 Lumber, Clearview Federal Credit Union, Duquesne Light, Highmark Wholecare, and Edgar Snyder & Associates) to help make a difference, inspiring our community to lend a hand to support issues impacting the Pittsburgh area. Visit wpxi.com/community/11-cares for more information.
About Caliente Pizza & Draft House
Caliente Pizza and Draft House, known for its award-winning pizzas and extensive selection of craft beers, is a popular destination in Pittsburgh. This vibrant eatery stands out for its inventive pizza toppings and cozy, inviting atmosphere, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike for both casual dining and special gatherings. Visit worldsbestpizza.com for more information.
About oneBURGH
oneBURGH is Pittsburgh’s LARGEST social media network. Over 450,000 of your favorite Yinzers. With a mix of all things Pittsburgh, oneBURGH brings Pittsburgh together for all things pop culture, sports, nostalgia, and a love of Pittsburgh. Follow oneBurgh at facebook.com/PittsburghPA or visit oneburgh.com for more information.
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Three Rivers Region Hosts 1st Flag Football Tournament
Special Olympics Pennsylvania - Three Rivers Region Hosts Inaugural Flag Football Tournament
Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) - Three Rivers Region is excited to announce its first-ever Flag Football Tournament, a groundbreaking event that showcases the commitment to inclusion, and the power of sports to bring people together. The tournament took place at the AHN Montour Junction Sports Complex in Coraopolis, PA.
This unique event marks a significant milestone for SOPA - Three Rivers Region, expanding its sports offerings to include flag football and providing athletes of all abilities the opportunity to compete and showcase their skills on the field. The tournament featured teams from local high schools, comprised of Special Olympics athletes, unified partners, and community members, fostering an environment of camaraderie and mutual respect.
"We are thrilled to introduce flag football to our roster of sports offerings and provide our athletes with a new and exciting opportunity to showcase their abilities," said Andrew Fee, Executive Director of SOPA's Three Rivers Region. "This tournament represents our ongoing commitment to creating inclusive spaces where everyone can come together, compete, and celebrate the joy of sports. We are excited to continue to see flag football grow in the region and beyond."
Photos can be found here:
Unified Champion Schools Converge for Annual Youth Leadership Summit
Washington, PA – the Special Olympics Pennsylvania - Three Rivers Region Unified Champion Schools (UCS) program was proud to host the Annual Youth Summit, a unique event that brings together students, educators, and advocates to celebrate the power of inclusion and learn about youth leadership in inclusive school communities. This year's event saw over 350 people from over 58 different schools in the region.
The Annual Youth Summit is an integral part of the UCS program, which promotes inclusive school communities where individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities learn, play, and lead together. Through this program, Special Olympics Pennsylvania is committed to creating a more inclusive and accepting environment within schools across the Three Rivers Region.
The Youth Summit serves as a platform for students from various UCS schools in the Three Rivers Region to gather, share experiences, and learn from one another. The event focuses on the importance of inclusive youth leadership and the positive impact it can have on the overall school community. It also aims to inspire and equip students to be leaders in promoting acceptance, respect, and inclusion.
One of the key highlights of the Annual Youth Summit included fun and interactive activities that were organized to facilitate team building and friendships among participants from the schools.
The Special Olympics Pennsylvania - Three Rivers Region Unified Champion Schools program is determined to make the Annual Youth Summit an event that not only educates and inspires but also promotes the values of inclusion and acceptance within schools, laying the foundation for more inclusive and accepting communities.
Regional Athletes Excel at the Western Fall Sectionals at Slippery Rock University
Slippery Rock, PA – A few weekends ago, the inspiring athletes of Special Olympics Pennsylvania gathered at Slippery Rock University for the highly anticipated Western Fall Sectionals. The event, which took place all over SRU’s campus and showcased the extraordinary talents and determination of athletes from across the region.
Under the rainy autumn sky and amidst a backdrop of camaraderie and sportsmanship, athletes from Special Olympics Pennsylvania came together to compete in a variety of sports, including, bocce, long distance running and waking, powerlifting, volleyball, flag football, and soccer. This single day event celebrated the power of inclusion, highlighting the abilities of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
One of the standout moments of the Western Fall Sectionals was the athletic prowess displayed in the powerlifting events. Athletes lifted huge amounts of weight and leveraged their chance to advance to Villanova University for the annual Fall Festival. Their passion and commitment were truly inspiring, showcasing the transformative impact that participating in sports can have on individuals of all abilities.
In addition to the powerlifting competition, bocce enthusiasts also had their moment to shine. Athletes demonstrated pinpoint accuracy and strategic thinking as they rolled their bocce balls toward the gold medal. The atmosphere was filled with friendly competition and camaraderie, as athletes and teams vied for victory.
Soccer and flag football matches further highlighted the athletes' teamwork, communication skills, and sportsmanship. The matches were filled with excitement as athletes worked together to score goals, showcasing their dedication to their chosen sport and their desire to win.
The Western Fall Sectionals at Slippery Rock University provided a platform for these extraordinary athletes to demonstrate their abilities, determination, and sportsmanship. The event's success would not have been possible without the support of volunteers, coaches, and families who played a crucial role in ensuring that the athletes had a memorable and rewarding experience.
Special Olympics Pennsylvania aims to promote inclusion, acceptance, and the importance of sports in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Western Fall Sectionals is just one of the many events that reflect their commitment to this mission.