Field hockey team recognized for taking the penguin plunge for Special Olympics

Members of the Connecticut College field hockey team at the 2016 Connecticut Shoreline Penguin Plunge.
Members of the Connecticut College field hockey team at the 2016 Connecticut Shoreline Penguin Plunge.

The Connecticut College field hockey team is receiving national recognition from the NCAA for its work with the Special Olympics.

In March, the team braved frigid winter temperatures and took the Connecticut Shoreline Penguin Plunge at Ocean Beach Park to raise nearly $2,000 to benefit Special Olympics Connecticut.

Now the story is one of three featured on NCAA.org in the July 2016 Special Olympics Spotlight Poll. The story with the highest number of votes when the poll closes at 5 p.m. on July 25 will win $500 towards its next Special Olympics event. (Supporters can vote once per day per device.) The winning institution will also be recognized in the NCAA Division III Monthly Newsletter and on the NCAA Division III homepage.

"I am very proud of our field hockey team members for raising almost $2,000 for this great cause and for embracing the challenge of plunging into Long Island Sound in early March," Head Field Hockey Coach Chrissy Needham said. "We look forward to continuing to build our relationship with Special Olympics Connecticut through future events."

This is the Camels’ second year of partnership with Special Olympics. In 2015, members of the team volunteered on site at the Special Olympics Winter Games for Special Olympics Connecticut, interacting with the athletes and serving as athlete escorts to and from events. 

 



July 19, 2016