Marywood Student-Athletes Participate in NEPA Polar Plunge to Support Special Olympics Pennsylvania
Published
Members of the Marywood University volleyball team and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) recently participated in the NEPA Polar Plunge at Montage Mountain, an annual event that raises funds and awareness for Special Olympics Pennsylvania.
Several members of the Marywood volleyball team took the plunge in support of the cause, including Ayla, Bailey, Balls, Gracee, and Ryleigh, while the rest of the team cheered them on from the sidelines. The event brought together athletes, volunteers, and supporters from across the region to raise funds and show their support for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Members of Marywood’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee also participated in the event, helping to raise funds and awareness ahead of the plunge.
Marywood student-athlete and SAAC member Jairo Salazar reflected on the experience in a recent LinkedIn post.
“Through the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee at Marywood University, I participated in and helped fundraise for the NEPA Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Pennsylvania,” Salazar said. “Being able to contribute to an event that supports athletes with intellectual disabilities was an incredible experience.”
Salazar also highlighted the sense of community created through the event.
“Beyond the jump itself, working alongside fellow student-athletes to raise awareness and funds reinforced how powerful sports can be in building community and creating impact,” he said. “Grateful to represent Marywood not just in competition, but in service.”
The Polar Plunge is one of the region’s largest fundraising events supporting Special Olympics Pennsylvania, helping to provide year-round sports training and competition opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Marywood student-athletes’ participation reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to service, leadership, and community engagement.
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Marywood Student-Athletes Participate in NEPA Polar Plunge to Support Special Olympics PennsylvaniaMembers of the Marywood University volleyball team and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee recently participated in the NEPA Polar Plunge at Montage Mountain to support Special Olympics Pennsylvania. Several student-athletes braved the cold waters while teammates cheered them on, helping raise awareness and funds for athletes with intellectual disabilities.