ATHLETES TURN OUT TO SUPPORT MAKE-A-WISH

Students support charity event

Heather Norris

On Super Bowl Sunday, dozens of C.W. Post student-athletes jumped into the ice-cold ocean to help support the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York.  Organized by the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, the event was a huge success as the athletes joined thousands of other brave souls at Long Beach for the 12th Annual Superbowl Splash.

The event began in 1999 as four men simply having some fun before the Super Bowl. It has since grown to become a huge event on the south shore of Long Island, drawing huge crowds of people to observe and participate in the fun.  The event takes place every year with the sponsorship of the Long Beach Polar Bear Club, who participates every year in honor of Paulie Bradley. He passed in 1997 at the age of four, too quickly for his wish to be granted. In 2010, the Superbowl Splash exceeded the $2 million mark, doubling the amount of money raised in the first eight years of fundraising.

Unusually mild weather and the D.J. stage pumping music that could be heard blocks away almost gave the feeling of being at a beach party for many of the participants, as they ran into the Atlantic. Some wore standard beach attire, while others chose more courageous, more revealing costumes.  The Superbowl Splash takes place every year in Long Beach on Super Bowl Sunday.  Anyone is welcome to participate, make a donation, or buy some “Polar Wear” available year-round on the Polar Bear Club’s website at www.longbeachpolarbears.org.