The Big Splash: 2025 Polar Plunge

70+ Leos, 40-degree water, and one massive mission for the Special Olympics.

On the morning of November 8, 2025, the Somers Leos traded their warm hoodies for swimsuits and headed to Playland Beach in Rye for the ultimate "vibe check": the Westchester Polar Plunge. This isn't just about proving you can handle the cold; it’s a high-stakes demonstration of the "Young Hero" spirit in action. Joining hundreds of students from across the county, our Leos took the leap into the frigid Long Island Sound to support the Special Olympics New York.

The energy at Playland was electric from the start. Under the leadership of student chairs like Gabriel Stor, the Somers team spent weeks rallying the community, using everything from social media blitzes to local outreach to hit their ambitious fundraising goals. In Somers, we don’t just participate—we lead. The Leos have consistently been one of the top fundraising groups in the entire state, often raising tens of thousands of dollars to sponsor dozens of athletes for an entire season of sports, training, and health programs.

When the countdown finally hit zero at 11:30 AM, the "Leo Spark" was unmistakable. Dozens of our members, cheered on by a crowd of parents and Lions Club advisors, sprinted into the 44-degree water. It was a moment of pure adrenaline and collective purpose. For these students, the "Freezin' for a Reason" motto is more than a catchy phrase; it’s a commitment to ensuring that every individual, regardless of intellectual disability, has the opportunity to experience the joy of sports and the power of inclusion.

The impact of this single day ripples throughout the entire year. The funds raised by the Leos directly provide Olympic-style coached sports and competitions for over 48,000 athletes across New York. After the "plunge," the celebration continued with music from DJ Top Jimmy and a massive community huddle to celebrate the win. Walking away from the beach—shivering but proud—the Leos proved once again that they are the heart of the Somers community. We didn't just brave the cold; we made sure the future of inclusive sports in New York remains bright.