2023 Penguin Plunge Extreme Weather Update

 

2023 Penguin Plunge Extreme Weather Update

Hi Plungers,    As we’re sure many of you realize, the weather forecast for this weekend is simply awful. After a relatively mild winter so far, Mother Nature and the North Wind have conspired to bring sub-zero temps and gusts that make conditions unsafe to be outside, let alone jump into the lake. Special Olympics Vermont is very disappointed to let you know that we’ve had to turn the 28th annual Penguin Plunge into a remote event.    Tyler Jankoski, Chief Meteorologist for WPTZ-TV NBC5 News has informed us that based on several global meteorological models, he has high confidence that "air temperatures will stay below zero in the Champlain Valley for most, if not all of Saturday. With even a little wind, it could feel like 30 below zero." He added that wind chill warnings will very likely be communicated for the entire northeast region by the national weather service by mid-week.    Public Safety Authority Derek Libby, Acting Chief and Task Force Leader for Burlington Fire Department, in consultation with the National Weather Service, strongly advised against holding the Penguin Plunge this weekend as any outdoor event would pose significant threats to public safety, stating “Participant and spectator safety are of utmost importance and there are significant concerns that these temperatures will present an unsafe environment. While we wholeheartedly support the efforts of the Penguin Plunge and the great work of Special Olympics Vermont, we share these public safety concerns as a means to protect the participants, spectators, and support staff throughout the entire event.”     Please read our Frequently Asked Questions to get answers to questions you may have, including information about how to plunge remotely. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to our office at events@vtso.org.    Thank you for your continued support of Special Olympics Vermont.  We very much look forward to seeing you at the Waterfront with beautiful weather in 2024!   Sincerely, Missy Siner, President & CEO and The SOVT Team

Penguin Plunge Frequently Asked Questions

Special Olympics Chittenden 2023 Recreational Floorball

Hi all, back by popular demand, we are offering Recreation Floorball starting this Sunday. This is a great opportunity to participate in a Special Olympics sport indoors during the winter. Since it is recreational, you can do Floorball and Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe. Unfortunately, it conflicts with our Alpine Ski and Snowboard schedule. Please let me know if you want to participate. I encourage all who want to participate to come to the first practice but since this is short notice, it is ok to start the following week. Here's the details:

What: Recreational Floorball

When: Sundays from 4:00 - 6:00 PM starting 1/29/23 through 3/26/23

Where: Chamberlin School, 262 White St, South Burlington, VT 05403

Contact me to sign up!

David C. Bogdan

Chittenden Program Coordinator

Special Olympics Vermont

802-865-3840

2022 Special Olympics Vermont Swimming Competition - 1/27/2023

Hi all, the Swimming Competition plans have been finalized. We will have the competition on a Friday afternoon in South Burlington. Please let me know if you can make it or not. Here are the details:

When: Friday, 1/27/23 from 3:15 PM - ~ 7:00 PM

Where: The Edge South Burlington, 75 Eastwood Dr, South Burlington VT, 05403

Schedule:

3:15 - 4:15 PM Locker room open for changing

4:15 - 4:30 PM Warm up

4:40 - 6:40 PM Competition

6:40 - 7:00 PM Awards

Please let me know if you plan on competing or not and if you have any favorite events. Due to the time constraints, not all events will be offered. Thanks, Dave

2022 Floorball competition - January 7, 2023

Hi all, I finally have some details around our competition this Saturday

When: 9:00 AM - ~12:00 PM, Saturday January 7th 2023

Where: Collins Perley Sports & Fitness Center

Awards immediately after the competition followed by pizza with gluten free options available.

Coach Mario and coach Jim will be leading our teams. I will be at the first Cross Country Ski practice so I will wish you well now!  Please let me know if you cannot make it. Also, just a reminder that if you are sick or have COVID-19 symptoms, stay home! Thanks, Dave