LAKE CARMEL- Lake Carmel’s Erin Scott will once again be leading a contingent of students and staff from Dutchess BOCES in this weekend’s annual Polar Plunge that raises money for the Special Olympics’ New York division.
The 2026 proceedings have a different look as well as a change of venue.
The event is taking place at various locations today and tomorrow instead of at Sharpe Reservation in Fishkill. The BOCES team will take the plunge at Eastdale Village in Poughkeepsie on Sunday at noon. As participation increased over the years, the event outgrew its original home, prompting the move to Eastdale, Marist University and Heritage Stadium in Fishkill.
Susanne O’Neil, Special Olympics Director of Development for the Hudson Valley explained: “Expanding the Plunge to three days and new locations was an important step to reach more people, inspire new supporters and showcase the incredible opportunities our athletes have to grow and succeed. The event is more than a fundraiser. It’s a lifeline for athletes with intellectual disabilities, providing year-round sports training and competition at no cost to them or their families.”
The organization provides free Olympic-style sports to individuals with disabilities. Fundraisers like the Polar Plunge help cover numerous costs, from insurance to awards.
Scott, a team organizer and Career & Technical (CTI) Institute teacher said participants will jump into a new mobile plunge unit filled with cold water. The unit has ramps on both sides for entering and leaving, and stairs when exiting the water.
Scott described the new venue as a “breath of fresh air. There will be no more parking challenges or bus rides to navigate up the mountain. Spectators will have a viewing area and parking will be plentiful.”
Special Olympics is a cause near and dear to the educator’s heart, as she has coached its athletes since 1996.
Last year Scott jumped into the frigid water in memory of a former student: “Steven was a resident of Putnam ARC Neal House who passed away in 2007. He was a very special and caring young man. I loved him like a brother.”
Scott’s team raised $6,000 coming in the top 10 among the more than 50 teams participating.
To join this year’s team, or donate to support the team
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