Hello All - Hard to believe but we are down to only a few days before our annual plunge and here is some GOOD NEWS, an update, and a special message for my Facebook friends who have helped with our annual Polar Plunge through your donations and well wishes.
First, the GOOD NEWS: This past year, Tommy participated in both
Special Olympics basketball and softball and thanks to kind donations from friends like you, thousands of athletes like Tommy are able to enjoy playing so many different sports and know that you've made a difference.
An Update: Tommy is actively playing basketball now (season just started) and I will be posting some pictures / video so you can see how your donations are being put to good use. Moreover, I have been coaching both sports and working with the Special Olympians is truly a blessing.
Special Message: Tommy is on the cover of the Polar Plunge homepage this year (you will see him with 2 of his teammates from softball) as he was asked to come onstage last year during the Plunge. We will post pictures after this year's event to share with you.
Some background: Mary is the co-captain with her brother Robert in honor of our brother Tommy who has Down Syndrome and we are so blessed to do this every year. We have raised over $150,000 as a team over the last eleven polar plunges.
Our team is made up of young people - and we are beyond proud of Team ExtraOrdinary (named after Tommy's extra chromosome). We are continuing the tradition as we are now in year #12 - thank you to all who support this cause!
Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Facebook takes care of the donation processing with no fees. Your support will directly affect the ability for Special Olympic NY athletes to participate in trainings, activities, and competitions at no cost to them or their caregivers. With your donation, you can help the athletes get safely back in the game!
Join our team or donate today.
Thank you for your support!
Mary Grace Fitton