Colonials in the Community: Special Olympics DC Polar Plunge

3/1/2019 11:33:00 AM | Men's Rowing, Softball, Women's Soccer, Academic Services

GW raised more than $3,000 by taking February plunge

By: Carson Shehab

WASHINGTON -- GW student-athletes surpassed their fundraising goal while teaming up with local colleges to take the icy plunge at Catholic University's annual Special Olympics DC Polar Plunge last month.

The Colonials banded together to raise more than $3,000 to support the 1,600 Special Olympic athletes in the D.C. area. Megan McCormick, captain of GW women's soccer, explained that the original goal was to reach $500, but after spreading the word, GW student-athletes were quick to respond.

"It was really amazing to see just how committed the entire athletic department was to helping Special Olympics raise money and how invested we are in making a difference in the D.C. community," McCormick said.

Special Olympics D.C. (SODC) is part of a nationwide program that prioritizes the ability to create an opportunity for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to participate in sport.

This is not the first time that GW has worked alongside with SODC. Last fall, the women's soccer team successfully hosted its inaugural Special Olympic Kickball Tournament.

This winter's event was kicked off with a pep rally, followed by a dance contest featuring Special Olympic athletes. And of course, the outdoor polar ice plunge pool provided the main spectacle with participants jumping, cannon-balling or belly flopping in.

Representing GW were student-athletes Colin Burns (Men's Rowing), McCormick (Women's Soccer), Erica Lorenzana (Women's Soccer), Brianna Garcia (Women's Soccer), Kaitlin Buff (Softball), Elena Shelepak (Softball), Faith Weber (Softball), and Kaitlin Buff (Softball).

Braving the chilly water, alongside the student-athletes, were men's rowing head coach Mark Davis and assistant coach David Lincoln.

Davis shared that he challenged his squad to raise at least $50 for he and his staff to take the plunge. With the goal met, the coaches were happy to keep their word.

"The event was awesome," Davis said. "There was great energy by the students from Catholic University, GW and Georgetown. I was happy to take part."

Burns stood in at Catholic for assistant coach Steve McCarthy, who was in Seattle recruiting. McCarthy, instead, did his plunge into Lake Washington and sent video back to the Colonials.

"After hearing that it would benefit kids with disabilities, I couldn't say no," said McCarthy. "I spent a lot of time in high school volunteering with peers and other students who had special needs, so it's something that I care a pretty great deal about.

"When I found out that I would not be there, it was pretty easy to convince myself to take the plunge− even though the water was about 45 degrees."

For many, this was the first time taking the plunge. For others, it was perhaps the start of a new tradition.

Shelepak took the leap with softball teammate Faith Weber in full uniform.

"I thoroughly enjoyed taking the plunge with my teammates and fellow GW athletes," Shelepak said. "It was especially fulfilling because, starting back in freshman year, Faith and I have done an annual jump into a pool in our uniforms.

"Usually, it's just for fun, but this time we got to do it for a worthwhile cause, which made it very rewarding. We will definitely take the plunge in the future!"