Thank you, Long Branch

On behalf of over 23,000 Special Olympics New Jersey athletes, I wish to thank the City of Long Branch for hosting our 2013 Polar Bear Plunge.  During a very challenging period for Jersey Shore communities, Mayor Schneider and the Long Branch Community embraced this event to ensure the 20th Anniversary of the Polar Bear Plunge to benefit Special Olympics New Jersey would be an outstanding success. Long Branch city employees, Law Enforcement, first responders, the many dive teams and local businesses all played a critical role to make this year’s event a great experience for the more than 12,000 Plungers and spectators in attendance.

I would also like to thank our friends from Seaside Heights for hosting the Plunge the last seven years, for their support with this year’s event and for supporting this year’s move to Long Branch. We congratulate them for their restoration efforts and for what looks to be a remarkable recovery for the upcoming tourist season.

For twenty years, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey has been committed to the coordination and support of this event, and once again proved to be resilient in finding a new location for the Plunge and continuing their commitment to the athletes of Special Olympics New Jersey.  With their support, we are proud to provide programs to athletes in Long Branch, Seaside Heights, and throughout the state, totally free of charge.  For the last 29 years, the Law Enforcement community has been unwavering in their volunteer and fundraising efforts, and this support is truly appreciated by our athletes.

Thank you, Long Branch.  Thank you, Seaside Heights.  Thank you, Big Joe Henry and NJ 101.5.  And thank you to all of our sponsors and plungers who showed their Genuine Jersey Pride and celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Polar Bear Plunge to support the athletes of Special Olympics New Jersey.

Sincerely,

Marc S. Edenzon
President
Special Olympics New Jersey