It goes without saying that this past year was remarkable in the most difficult sense of the word. Marred by challenges associated with the coronavirus pandemic, Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) joined a seemingly unending list of organizations learning to adapt to an unparalleled, new normalcy. With health, fitness and nutrition as key elements to a quality sports experience with SONC, these initiatives were brought together in a new strategy to engage the vulnerable population of individuals with intellectual disabilities. An inability to host in-person events spotlighted our need to reach Special Olympics communities across the state in their homes and online.
"If I can give encouragement to a new athlete that wants to join – don’t be afraid, don’t be scared to try something new."
- Will Gandy, Special Olympics Iredell County Athlete
Athletes as Leaders
"With health, fitness and nutrition as key elements to a quality sports experience with SONC, these initiatives were brought together in a new strategy to engage the vulnerable population of individuals with intellectual disabilities. An inability to host in-person events spotlighted our need to reach Special Olympics communities across the state in their homes and online."
- Ellen Fahey, Special Olympics North Carolina Health Director
On February 29, 2020, nearly 275 individuals went freezin’ for a reason at the annual Triad Chill Polar Plunge fundraiser. In taking the wintry leap into the chilly water at Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe in Greensboro, participants of this regional Polar Plunge raised more than $46,000 in support of Special Olympics North Carolina.
One day prior, on February 28, 2020, SONC conducted a new Polar Plunge event designed for middle and high schools from across North Carolina, which raised over $21,000 for SONC. Nearly 400 students attended from 11 schools with 200 individuals participating in the Plunge. All were involved in the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools ® initiative.
Special Olympics New Hanover County Polar Plunge
Special Olympics Brunswick County Polar Plunge
Participating Dunkin’ Donuts locations across North Carolina raised over $45,000 through its Community Cups icon campaign August 9-23, 2020 in support of Special Olympics North Carolina. Visiting customers were asked to make donations and fill out an icon at 49 different Dunkin’ Donuts locations owned by Coastal Franchising during the two-week campaign.
“We are so very grateful that Coastal Franchising values the importance of the Special Olympics mission,” said Keith L. Fishburne, President/CEO of Special Olympics North Carolina. “In order to keep our athletes active at home during the pandemic, these funds will help us to continue sports training and fitness activities.”
With 100% of donations directly benefitting SONC, Coastal Franchising’s continued support of Special Olympics North Carolina provides nearly 40,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to develop physical fitness, build courage and be a part of a community.