Johannesburg - Despite the prompt vaccination roll-out in the country, many annual events continue to resort live-stream due to the ongoing restrictions which limit the number of spectators.
On September 18, Special Olympics South Africa (SOSA) is hosting the fifth edition of its annual Polar Plunge on at the popular Altitude Beach in Fourways. South Africa’s well-known personalities have committed to support the event this year, and help raise funds to send the Sosa National team to the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Russia in January 2022.
Over the years, Sosa has received overwhelming support from both the athletes, their families, media, celebrities, and corporate South Africa.
Participants commit to taking the plunge into a pool with 5 tons of ice in it. While others pledged a "plunge feed" which contributes to the organisation for various programs and initiatives.
Last year more than R80 000 was raised and was used for food parcels for Special Olympics athletes as well as their families who were left poverty-stricken during the lockdown.
Ancilla Smith, CEO of the Sosa said the Polar Plunge has become a signature annual event for Special Olympics South Africa and they were overwhelmed by the support that they continue to receive.
“Outside of the funds that are raised every year, the Plunge showcases a South Africa that is inclusive and accepting of people living with an intellectual disability."
Smith added that the Special Olympics South Africa National Team deserves the same recognition and support as other teams as they prepare to travel to Russia in 2022 to represent South Africa on a global stage.
Supporters keen to get involved can donate on the Sosa website, www.backabuddy.co.za/2021-special-olympics "
This years' list of celebrities taking the plunge includes Kim Jayde, Mark Fish, Lala Hirayama, Phil Mphela, DJ Sabby Mtshali, and Lionel Mapoe.
Other plungers include Rouge, Christopher Jafta, Kay Sibiya, Abigail Visagie, Heather Hook, Penny Lebyane, Francois Louw, David Arnold Johnson, Clint Brink, The Smiles - Lex Leo.
Kamo Moth, Stacey Holland, Samkelo Ndlovu, Oneida Copper, Guy-Gal Conner, Kuli Roberts, Simphiwe ‘Shorty’ Dludlu, Sbu Shongwe, Belinda Netshipise, DJ Sebastian are some of the local celebs that will be taking part in this initiative.
The Star