This Year's Chicago Polar Bear Plunge Raises $1 million for Special Olympics
Fairlawn, New Jersey (PRWEB) March 15, 2014 -- While people still use traditional means to pledge money to Special Olympics, there are some groups who have found their own way to raise money. The Polar Bear Plunge, which started almost 50 years before Special Olympics, has started collecting donations through the yearly ritual. According to The Chicago Tribune, this year's Chicago Polar Plunge in Lake Michigan, raised more than $1 million for Special Olympics. The event, which attracted more than 3,200 people taking the chilling dive, featured prominent figures such as Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Jimmy Fallon.
For over 45 years Special Olympics has provided children and adults with intellectual disabilities sports training and athletic competition. The organization is comprised of over 4.2 million athletes, more than 300,000 coaches, and is active in more than 170 countries. The official website of Special Olympics states, "In Special Olympics, the power and joy of sport, shifts focus to what our athletes CAN do, not what they can't. Attention to disabilities fades away. Instead, we see our athletes' talents and abilities--and applaud them for all they can do."
The Special Olympic Healthy Athletes program also offers health services and information through more than 1.4 million free health screening clinics. The Healthy Athletes program currently offers health screenings in seven areas including: podiatry, physical therapy, better health, audiology, sports physicals, vision, and dentistry.
The donations are also used in Special Olympics leading research, which addresses the concerns of people with intellectual disabilities. After the organization conducts their high-level of research, they present their research and findings to the top levels in government, health care, education, and business to influence the services available to those in need.
Special Olympics makes it very easy to donate to their great cause. Through their website, or by telephone, it is possible for people to donate onetime or set up a monthly donation.
Internet Marketing firm, G.A.L. Inc. recently contributed to Special Olympics. The company believes in the mission of Special Olympics and has close ties to the community.
Gal Davidi, G.A.L. Inc, http://gal-inc.com/, +1 (201) 703-0091, [email protected]
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