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03/23/2011 |
 UniCare Health Plan of West Virginia, Inc. is teaming up with Special Olympics West Virginia this year as a sponsor for the upcoming Spring State Basketball Tournament and Summer Games that will be held in Morgantown and Charleston.
“The Special Olympics of West Virginia is a wonderful community organization that plays a very important role for countless families in the state and, it provides an opportunity for participating athletes to experience a weekend of camaraderie and sportsmanship,” said Mitch Collins, director of UniCare's Medicaid field operations. “We know our support is vital to ensure the maximum number of athletes are able to attend the games; our goal is to encourage the involvement of as many Special Olympics athletes as possible through our sponsorship,” added Collins. |
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03/11/2011 |
As Alex Lang of The Dominion Post wrote following the Morgantown Polar Plunge...
They came as Smurfs and Pirates. They came as blind mice and leprechauns. They came as the ensemble cast of “Three's Company.” They came by the carload on February 26 to Star City Park and Marina to take part in the Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics West Virginia.
The event this year saw 235 “plungers” take a chilly dip, raising more than $64,000 and smashing last year's total. According to Special Olympics West Virginia volunteer and event organizer Janet Scarcelli, the plunge was a record-breaking affair.
“We really exceeded all of our goals this year. It was the effort of so many that made it work. Every year has its own personality that comes from all of the wonderful people who come out and give their time and energy. And of course, our plungers are great and nothing could be done without them. It was fabulous.”
The number of plungers, dollars raised, and participants in the always entertaining costume contest all set new highs during the seventh year for the event. The top individual earner was Mark Clemens, and KLM Properties raised the highest team total. Major sponsors included Chesapeake Energy, Howard Hanna Realtors, First United Bank, West Virginia Junior College, Problem Gambler's Network, Mylan Pharmaceuticals, West Virginia University Hospitals, March Westin, Verizon, Morgantown Printing and Binding, WBOY, WDTV, West Virginia Radio Corp., and The Dominion Post.
The Beckley Polar Plunge followed the Morgantown event and was a spirited affair. On a cool and windy March 5 day at the YMCA Sports Complex, 31 brave souls took the plunge and raised nearly $7,500 for Special Olympics West Virginia. It was the second year for the Polar Plunge in Beckley, and word of the event is starting to spread.
“I think the folks who participated had a great time,” said John Corbett, CEO, Special Olympics West Virginia. “There was a lot of excitement, laughter and just a fun all-around day. Futhermore, I think we have built a nice foundation and I expect the event will certainly grow in the years ahead.”
Special Olympics West Virginia officials expressed appreciation to Walmart for the considerable help in planning and marketing the event, and for several managers and associates actually taking the plunge. |
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02/18/2011 |
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With the thermometer reading 36 degrees and a steady breeze making the wind chill temperature even colder, 129 brave and spirited individuals took the plunge in Charleston the evening of February 5. Appalachian Power Park was buzzing with excitement as the participants and another 250 spectators gathered for a truly entertaining event which raised nearly $33,000 for Special Olympics West Virginia. “We are grateful for the folks who endured the elements and boldly took the plunge, and we appreciate the support of the spectators who provided the needed encouragement to our participants,” said John Corbett, CEO, Special Olympics West Virginia. “I believe everyone had a great time for a great cause.” In addition to the individual participants, several area businesses and organizations fielded teams for the event. Among those included Sheetz, United Bank, JeffersonWhitney, Teays Physical Therapy, C.H. Robinson, Walmart, Coca-Cola, Flaherty Sensabaugh Bonasso, Firebreather Fitness Club, Charleston Police Department, Kanawha County Sheriff's Office, Tyler Mountain Fire Department, Kang's Tae Kwan Do Academy, and West Virginia Power Baseball. The Polar Plunge also had the support of state lawmakers, as Senator Mike Hall and Delegates Mitch Carmichael and Brian Savilla were among those to plunge. The fun is not over as Polar Plunges are still scheduled for Morgantown and Beckley. The Morgantown Polar Plunge, now in its seventh year, will be Saturday, February 26 at 2:00 p.m at the Star City Park and Marina. The Beckley Polar Plunge will occur Saturday, March 5 at noon at the YMCA Sports/Soccer Complex. Persons interested in taking the plunge may contact the Special Olympics West Virginia office for more information. |
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01/31/2011 |
Charleston Gazette
By Rick Steelhammer
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- More than 100 warm-hearted but coldly determined people are expected to leap into a 4.5-foot-deep pool of air-chilled water at Appalachian Power Park starting at 6 p.m. on Feb. 5, during Special Olympics West Virginia's annual Polar Plunge event.
"Most years we have to break the ice off the pool, because we fill it the night before the event," said John Corbett, CEO of Special Olympics West Virginia.
The Polar Plunge, now in its fifth year, draws cold water enthusiasts of all ages, who often wear colorful or humorous costumes as they take the plunge to raise funds for Special Olympics athletes.
"Jumping in is not for everyone," said Corbett, who has taken to the frigid waters of the 24-foot portable pool during each of the previous four Polar Plunges. "But everyone seems to enjoy watching, if not actually taking the plunge."
Corbett said most participants, himself included, "jump into the pool, rather than slowly ease into the water, and give a scream of excitement before leaving the pool as fast as possible. We've had folks swim a lap or two around the pool once they're in the water, but that's not usually the way it's done."
Participants may stay in the water as long as they wish, within established safety limits. Swimwear and costumes are encouraged, but wet suits are not allowed.
The event is Special Olympics West Virginia's second-biggest annual fundraiser. Participants must raise a minimum of $50 each to earn the right to plunge into the frigid pool. Registration may be done online at www.wvpolarplunge.com, by calling 304-345-9310, or by signing up on the day of the event between 4:30 and 5:45 p.m.
"This is an extremely fun event and we would appreciate the community coming out to support us -- whether as a plunger or a spectator," Corbett said.
Prizes will be awarded for best costumes and most pledges. Funds from the event help pay for year-round athletic training and competition in 18 Olympic-style sports for more than 5,000 people with intellectual disabilities throughout the state.
Reach Rick Steelhammer at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
or 304-348-5169. |
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01/19/2011 |
CHARLESTON, W.Va (January 17, 2011) – The public is encouraged to come out and “Take The Plunge” to help Special Olympics West Virginia during the organization’s fifth annual Polar Plunge event, taking place at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 5 at Appalachian Power Park in Charleston.
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Upcoming Events 2012Winter Games
January 26-27 Canaan Valley Polar Plunge February 4 Charleston Polar Plunge February 18 Morgantown Polar Plunge February 25 Beckley/Flat Top State Basketball Tournament March 23-25 Morgantown
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