Students from the Churchville-Chili Senior High School Unified Sports Program participated in the Special Olympics Polar Plunge on Sunday, February 14 at Ontario Beach Park. The nine fearless C-C team members braved the frigid waves in zero-degree weather to raise over $1,000 for Special Olympics.
The effort, led by their Youth Activation Committee Coordinator (YAC) and physical education teacher Mary Pat Dewey, admitted she “only went in up to my ankles.” The rest of the team, however, was not so easily deterred by the cold: Alan Brault, Emily Brown, Jason Hyde, Andrew Kerwin, Olivia Lewis, Ben Martin, Myles McKinney, Kate Wilson and Mara Zimmerman.
An online site was set up for donations, and students Emma Bennett, Rachel Czolgosz, Anna Kosterellis and Ashlyn Raines did their part for the cause by fundraising during lunches.
The Special Olympics supports many programs that bring students with and without intellectual disabilities together, including the region’s Unified Sports Programs. (Other program partners include Section V Athletics and the NYS Public High School Athletics Association). This year’s CCSHS Unified Sports student committee decided to get involved in the Polar Plunge as a way to give back.
Last year, the school fielded its first 18-member Unified Basketball team. Over the six-game season, players had the shared experience of working together and getting to know each other. What happened on that court inspired the entire CCSHS community. Many of the same students plan to participate again this year, and many others are eager to sign up. Dewey will continue as YAC Coordinator, with PE teacher Greg Kincaid as team coach.
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