Community Corner
Hundreds Participate In Special Olympics NH Penguin Plunge In Hampton
Participants ran into the 41-degree ocean water raising more than $620,000 for the New Hampshire Special Olympics at Hampton Beach.
HAMPTON, NH — Hundreds of people braved 41-degree water temperatures to take the “plunge” in the Atlantic Ocean at Hampton Beach to help raise funds for the Special Olympics New Hampshire.
The annual Penguin Plunge, in its 24th year, continued the tradition of people dressing in costumes, showing their crazy sides, and raising funds that support Special Olympics and its athletes. The in-person portion of the event was put on hold for a few years due to the pandemic, but it never slowed down the commitment to fundraisers.
Many participants wore shirts saying “party like it is 1999,” referring to the last time the in-person event happened.
Find out what's happening in Hampton-North Hamptonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
This year more than $620,000 was raised by individuals and teams, some were in Hampton, and others did virtual plunges at home with supplies provided to them by Special Olympics New Hampshire.
The two-day event was kicked off Saturday by more than 500 high school students who took the plunge raising over $200,000.
Find out what's happening in Hampton-North Hamptonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Sunday participants checked in at the Casino Ballroom, socialized, and got pumped up for the plunge. A short costume parade was held to show off some of the creative and unique fashion talents of the individuals.
New Hampshire Fish and Game, Hampton Fire Rescue, and Hampton Police provided safety services to keep all the participants safe.
Check out the full gallery from Jeffrey Hastings at Frame of Mind Photo where you can view and download event photos for free Click - Special Olympics New Hampshire Penguin Plunge
Watch the video of one of the many groups taking the plunge -
©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news
