Maryland Schools Participate in the 2020 Cool Schools Polar Bear Plunge to Raise Money for the Special Olympics

Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge

On January 23, 2020, Maryland schools students, faculty, and staff headed to Sandy Point State Park and braved the cold Chesapeake waters to raise money for the Special Olympics Maryland. The Special Olympics Maryland provides free training and activities for athletes with disabilities.

Assistant State Superintendent Marcella Franczkowski attended show her support and cheer on plungers. She also spoke with Special Olympics President and CEO Jim Schmutz about the importance of meaningful access and inclusion for young people with disabilities (view video below).

“In one of our early conversations [Franczkowski] pointed out that the concept of inclusion is meaningless if it is not interactive,” Schmutz recalled during a speech he gave that morning. “I am grateful for her commitment to our partnership which is starting to impact all grade levels including early childhood through our Young Athletes Program.”