Polar plunge to take place on saturday

The Athlone Polar Plunge will take place in Athlone this Saturday with a number of gardai set to brave the freezing temperatures of the Shannon in a bid to raise funds for Special Olympics Ireland.
Connacht Rugby joined forces with An Garda Síochána last month to launch the event, with Connacht stars David McSharry, Andrew Browne and Willie Faloon diving into the river at the launch, alongside local gradai Sergeant Andrew Haran, Garda Brian Keane and Garda Aishling Brady
The Athlone plunge takes place this Saturday, December 13, at 11am behind Athlone Castle.
Separate plunges are also taking place in locations around the country in December as part of a fundraising drive to support athletes with intellectual disabilities.
The event is being run as part of the Gardai’s role with the Law Enforcement Torch Run, an organisation that has been in partnership with Special Olympics for many years. Gardaí said they are hoping to attract in excess of 150 plungers on the day with the first plungers due to take their icy leap of faith at 11am.
Connacht player David McSharry said signing up to take the plunge is a great way to support some of Ireland’s most inspiring athletes.
Garda Brian Keane is hopeful that the people of Athlone will get behind the fun-filled charity event: “This is a fantastic way to raise much needed funds for Special Olympics athletes. All of the money raised will go towards supporting athletes ensuring that they continue to get access to sporting opportunities through competitions, leagues and interclub competitions. On top of that it promises to be good fun so sign-up today!”
Those interested in signing up for the Polar Plunge can do so at www.specialolympics.ie/polarplunge. Registration costs €15 and plungers are asked to raise a minimum €50 which goes directly to supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities through sport and competition. Plungers who raise more than €50 will also receive a complimentary ‘Ice Cool’ t-shirt.