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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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.
Volunteer Spotlight!
“I hope we can make a fraction of the impact they have made on us..."
Madi McIntyre and Chris Holmes have a little dilemma on their hands – figuring out how to get all their Pathfinder Piranhas Special Olympics team onto the guest list for their upcoming wedding. They joined the Pathfinders Piranhas a year ago, but the bonds created have been so rich, they say, that the Piranhas feel like family.
As a high school student in Shaler 10 years ago, Madi volunteered with students with intellectual disabilities during gym class. Her one semester gig progressed as she persuaded her guidance counselor to let her continue. Now she and Chris find themselves in a world of new activities including soccer, basketball, track & field, and unified golf. As a self-proclaimed non-athlete, Madi borrows from the motivation of her athletes.
“Whatever personal goal they have for themselves, it’s electric” she says.
Madi works in HR, Chris in insurance. They both endear the influence from their one-hour-a-week practices with the Pathfinders Piranhas as a guide to their work week. Patience, appreciating the present, and gaining perspective on what’s important are elements they both credit come from their involvement with Special Olympics.
“Once you see them get moving and really get into the flow of things, you forget everything else that’s going on and you’re really present with them,” says Madi. Chris echoes the sentiment, adding, “I almost feel selfish with how much I enjoy it.”
Honing in on this reciprocity of giving and receiving when coaching for Special Olympics, Madi is humble, saying, “I hope we can make a fraction of the impact they have made on us.”
The Three Rivers Region is purposefully taking time to reflect on our appreciation of volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time to Special Olympics. This is another touching story of the impact one volunteer has made in our community!
In case you have not been thank yet, THANK YOU!
In case you have not been thanked enough, THANK YOU!
In case you will likely volunteer again, THANK YOU!
#3RRVolunteerstory
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Aerie & Special Olympics athletes Photoshoot
Pittsburgh, PA - Special Olympics PA, Three Rivers Region athletes were true models of the Special Olympics' mission in the annual photo shoot with Aerie by American Eagle, a Pittsburgh based company. Eight athletes from the Three Rivers Region went to Zone 28, a local bowling alley, to participate in the annual photoshoot where SOPA athletes show off the near Aerie clothing lines coming out in the stores.
You can find the great photos and more about the partnership between Aerie and Special Olympics by visiting: https://www.ae.com/aerie-real-life/2022/07/14/celebrating-global-week-of-inclusion-with-special-olympics-2/
Thanks to American Eagle, Aerie, and Special Olympics, Inc. for including our great athletes in this opportunity.