UD students, staffers to take Polar Bear Plunge

4:19 p.m., Jan. 21, 2004--University of Delaware students and staff once again will be jump-starting the summer season for a good cause when they take part in the 2004 Lewes Polar Bear Plunge.

On Sunday, Feb. 1, this year’s volunteers will line up at Rehoboth Avenue and the Boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach for the 1 p.m. fund-raising event that benefits Special Olympics Delaware. The plunge will be preceded by a noontime “Polar Bear Parade” along the beach.

Each participant contributes a minimum of $50 in pledges and donations in what has become the largest single-event fundraiser for Special Olympics Delaware. The event is sponsored by Happy Harry’s Discount Drugs, with additional support from Comcast, Lewes Polar Bear Club, WJBR-FM (99.5), the Cape Gazette, WGMD-FM (92.7) and the Bay Center at Ruddertown.

Proceeds benefit the organization’s year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with mental retardation and/or other cognitive delays. More than 4,000 volunteers support a series of programs for more than 2,000 Special Olympics Delaware participants.

Several members of the UD community, including past participants, have registered and will be testing the wintry waters of the Atlantic, including Mike Hirschman, assistant sports information associate, and Scott Selheimer, sports information associate. Scott’s son Kyle, 11, is planning to make his initial plunge as a polar bear this year. Jim Grimes, assistant director of public safety, also will participate, and members of the UDECU (University of Delaware Emergency Care Unit) will be on hand to provide lifeguard support during the event. Other UD participants include Alan Waterfield, professor, and Matt Robinson, assistant professor, both in health and exercise sciences, and Cathy Skelley, assistant director of residence life, as well as several hall directors, resident assistants and students.

Students interested in participating in this year’s plunge should send e-mail to [ksylvis@udel.edu]. Jonathan Paul Woerner, a junior biology major, who began participating in the annual event as a sophomore at Salesanium High School, will celebrate his 21st birthday on Feb. 1 by making his sixth appearance as a polar bear participant.

Now in its 11th season, the annual event continues to grow in popularity. Last year, 2,170 polar bears raised more than $350,000. Individuals wishing to support their favorite UD participant may send donations in their name to Special Olympics Delaware, c/o Heather Hirschman, 619 South College Ave., Newark, DE 19716.

For more information, call 831-4653 or 855-0546, send e-mail to [sode@sode.org] or visit [http://www.sode.org/plunge].

Article by Jerry Rhodes

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