REVERE, Mass. (NNS) -- USS Constitution Sailors participated in a fundraising event for the Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) at Revere Beach in Revere, Mass. March 3.
Sailors, along with more than 200 other volunteers, supported the 14th annual "Polar Plunge," a fundraiser that helps year-round training and competition for more than 13,000 athletes of SOMA.
"It felt awesome helping to support the event in raising contributions that benefit Special Olympics athletes," said Seaman Apprentice David Duran, Constitution. "We helped set up the food areas and directed plungers in the proper direction. We also doubled as motivators for the plungers as they ran into freezing cold water. It was such a fun and amazing experience. I am proud to say I took part in it."
The Polar Plunge operates with participants raising money for the plunge through the collection of donations from family, friends, and co-workers. This year's plunge raised more than $230,000 in funds.
"It's amazing to see so many people come out and volunteer their time for such a great cause," said Marybeth McMahon, senior vice president, SOMA. "We have over 1,000 plungers, along with over 200 more volunteers helping behind the scenes. With the donations given here today ... we are able to help so many new athletes that want to participate in the Special Olympics."
SOMA aims to provide opportunities for those with intellectual disabilities in developing physical fitness, preparation for entry into school and community programs, and sharing in friendships of other Special Olympic athletes.
"I always love coming out to help with these events," said Sonar Technician Submarine 2nd Class (SS) Thomas Rooney, Constitution's community relations programs manager. "It gives you a connection with the community and helps support a great cause."
Constitution's Sailors participated in 5,021 hours of community service in 2011. The ship is the recipient of the 2011 Commander, Navy Region Middle Atlantic Project Good Neighbor Flagship award for small shore commands, and 2011 President's Volunteer Service Award.
Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors per year. She defended the sea lanes against threat from 1797 to 1855, much like the mission of today's Navy.
Constitution's mission today is to offer community outreach and education about the ship's history. Currently, her crew is planning to commemorate bicentennial of the War of 1812 through public demonstrations and educational activities at seven Navy Weeks across the U.S. in 2012. America's Navy: Keeping the sea free for more than 200 years.
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