• Special Olympics Ireland, in collaboration with The Law Enforcement Torch Run, launch the annual Polar Plunge, proudly supported by Gala Retail.
• Swimming sensations Eoin and Lorcan Tully call on public to get “freezin’ for a reason” this December
• This event will raise much-needed funds which will allow sports, leadership, and health programmes to be delivered to Special Olympics Ireland athletes in clubs right across Ireland

Dynamic duo Eoin and Lorcan Tully are calling on members of the public to get “freezin’ for a reason” in aid of Special Olympics.

Special Olympics athletes, the Tully Brothers, took to the open waters at Sandycove Beach to mark the launch of the Special Olympics Polar Plunge with Gala Retail, inviting people to “take the plunge” this December and raise vital funds for Special Olympics Ireland.

Proud members of the Vikings Special Olympics Club, Eoin and Lorcan are regulars on the podium at Irish Open Water swimming events, having developed their skills and confidence with their Special Olympics Club.

Speaking about the impact that Special Olympics Ireland has made on the lives of her sons, their mother, Jackie said: “They are so confident and social, the community in a Special Olympics club is amazing, and there is so much support and camaraderie amongst the athletes. I used to worry about their future, but since joining Special Olympics I have no concerns. The volunteers have been so amazing. From not being able to swim at 10 years old to winning mainstream competitions is incredible.”Special Olympics Ireland and Gala Retail are asking the public to follow in the footsteps of the Tully brothers and take a daring dip this December to raise vital funds in aid of Special Olympics Ireland so they can continue to deliver services in communities across Ireland.

Repro Free: 17/11/20234 Dynamic duo Lorcan and Eoin Tully are calling on members of the public to get “freezin’ for a reason” in aid of Special Olympics. Gary Desmond, CEO Gala Retail and Graham Roe, MCF Director, Special Olympics Ireland are pictured with the Special Olympics athletes, the Tully Brothers at Sandycove Beach today to mark the launch of the Special Olympics Polar Plunge with Gala Retail, inviting people to “take the plunge” this December and raise vital funds for Special Olympics Ireland. Picture Andres Poveda

Speaking at the launch, Gary Desmond said: “Gala Retail is proud to be a Platinum Sponsor of Special Olympics Ireland and we are proud to partner with Special Olympics Ireland for The Polar Plunge for the third year in a row.

“I was lucky enough to travel to the Special Olympics World Games this year and see first-hand how inspiring these athletes are and how much it means to their families. All their great achievements start in their local community clubs. We’re asking for as many people as possible to get involved in their local Polar Plunge and raise funds that will support Special Olympics clubs across Ireland.”

Polar Plunge events will take place in five locations nationwide throughout December 2023:

• Sandycove, Co. Dublin – 2^nd December
• Clogherhead, Co. Louth – 2^nd December
• Portrush, Co. Antrim – 3^rd December
• Rathmullan, Co. Donegal – 9^th December
• Dungarvan, Co. Waterford – 10^th December

Participants can also complete their own Polar Plunge virtually from their own locations nationwide.

Visit www.specialolympics.ie/polar-plunge to register for a Polar Plunge event or donate and take part virtually.