By Kate Hill
Staff Writer
On Dec. 6, Cazenovia resident Diane Budnar participated in a virtual version of the Annual Oneida Shores Polar Plunge to support Special Olympics New York.
The event, which traditionally takes place in-person on the first Sunday in December, was canceled due to COVID-19.
Each year, participants are encouraged to ask family and friends to help sponsor their plunges into frigid waters. All money raised helps the organization provide year-round sports training and competition, as well as health and inclusion programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Budnar, 37, has been a Special Olympian for over 25 years and has participated in the Polar Plunge for about 14 years.
The multi-sport athlete competes in volleyball, swimming, bocce ball, golf, bowling, snowshoeing and downhill skiing.
Budnar decided to complete her 2020 virtual plunge at home.
“My husband got a ladder and we had buckets of water and made a sign,” said Budnar’s mother, Marian. “She came out running to music — which is what they do at the Polar Plunge — and we dumped water on her.”
Participants shared videos of their unique “plunge” experiences on the Facebook.
According to Marian, other creative ideas included jumping into pools or getting hit with water balloons.
“This was the 50th anniversary of New York’s Special Olympics, so it [has been] really disappointing with COVID,” Marian said. “The big gala that they were going to have in New York City had to be canceled and the athletes have not been able to compete. They weren’t able to go to any trainings up until August; then they could do some outdoor things, but they could only have 10 people including the coach . . . [However,] they have really been working hard to try to keep the athletes engaged in some way, so they are not just sitting at home and they are able to still exercise and be a part of something.”
As of Dec. 7, Budnar had raised just over $6,200 for Special Olympics New York.
“Special Olympics has just meant so much to Diane over the years,” Marian said. “[It] is such a great organization, and, like many organizations, they are struggling to make it through this pandemic.”
For more information on Special Olympics New York, visit specialolympics-ny.org.
