WINTHROP — Special Olympics Maine and the Maine Law Enforcement Torch Run have planned the fourth annual Law Enforcement Torch Run Ice Out Plunge for noon Saturday, March 25, at the Winthrop Town Beach, Maranacook Lake. All proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Maine, according to a news release from Special Olympics Maine.
The event will be hosted by the Alfred W. Maxwell Jr. Post 40 American Legion and Auxiliary.
Sponsorship and support of this event is offered by Winthrop Police, Fire and Safety, The Red Barn, Ye Olde Fish and Chips, and The Maine Warden Service.
For the past 30 years members of Maine law enforcement have participated in the torch run to raise money for and an awareness of Special Olympics through a variety of events.
The ice out theme relates to the time frame when the ice finally clears on the lakes in Maine. The first year called for digging a large hole in the ice and last year showed bright sun, sandy beaches and open water. It will be interesting to see what is in store for 2017. Depending on the conditions, the ice will be cut out or participants will jump into open water.
Participates must raise a minimum of $100, according to the release. Participants will receive a long-sleeve commemorative T-shirt. Additional incentives will be available for additional monies raised and turned in at registration.
This year a Special Olympic athlete Laura Lucas will join in, she has watched the plunge since it first began. Lucas is already the top fundraiser for this year’s event and she hopes more people will sponsor her as the first Special Olympic athlete Ice Out Plunger. On her first giving page she stated, “I am doing the ice plunge this year for Special Olympics. Please help me meet my goal. I want to be a superstar! I’m going for the green instead of the gold!” To sponsor Lucas, visit www.firstgiving.com, according to the release.
The plunge is open to those 8 and older, pople can enter as an individual or as a team of five or more members.
Registration for the plunge will take place the day of the plunge between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. at the Winthrop American Legion Post, 117 Bowdoin St. Outdoor activities begin at 10 a.m. The plunge is at noon and the Post Plunge Party, complete with free buffet and cash bar, will also be held at the Winthrop American Legion Post 40 following the plunge.
For more information, to download a registration packet, visit www.somaine.org or call Charle Clark at Winthrop Police Department at 377-7227.
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