WASHINGTON, D.C. - Catholic University Athletics and Special Olympics DC partnered again to put on the Cool Schools Polar Plunge on Friday, February 9 at the Raymond A. DuFour Center. More than $39,000 was raised to benefit Special Olympics DC and specific athletic programs at Catholic.
Friday marked the 10th time in 11 years that Catholic has hosted a Polar Plunge event in partnership with Special Olympics DC. Since 2017, Catholic has helped raise more than $200,000 through the Cool Schools Polar Plunge.
The 2024 Cool Schools Polar Plunge had 17 varsity teams plunge, raising over $40,000. Catholic University athletic teams get to use 50% of what their team raised to help with their costs like spring training travel, meals, and more. Meanwhile, Special Olympics DC uses funds raised to support the current sports season, buying uniforms, medals, and rental space so all the athletes with intellectual disabilities can feel the joy of sports at no cost. Before plunging the student-athletes partnered up with Special Olympics DC athletes to play unified basketball.
"We are very thankful for the continued partnership with Catholic University," said Special Olympics DC Manager of Development McKenzie Plante. "It is truly a commendable collaboration that showcases the positive impact of inclusivity. Catholic University Athletics has done exemplary work through fundraising for the Polar Plunge, volunteering for sporting events, hosting Special Olympics DC nights, and having one of DC Special Olympics' very own athletes, Malcolm Andrews, become the assistant coach for the Women's Soccer team."
Six separate programs brought in more than $2,000 for the cause with baseball leading the way with an impressive $13,580 raised. Next came field hockey and softball which raised $3,900 and $3,490 respectively. Women's swimming & diving, soccer, and lacrosse also raised more than $2,000 for the cause.
Chance Legere of baseball was the top fundraiser, bringing in $5,770 while Mary Parker elicited the most donations with 16.
