Supporting the Special Olympics

Since 1919, The American Legion has advocated on behalf of the nation’s children by promising "A Square Deal for Every Child." Because of this promise, the Legion family has supported the Special Olympics through financial contributions and volunteer efforts, which has resulted in a successful relationship for more than 30 years. The Special Olympics has a presence in nearly 200 countries worldwide, with a mission to empower children and adults with intellectual disabilities to believe in themselves and to become physically fit.

Many organizations raise money for the Special Olympics in their state by hosting polar plunges, basketball tournaments and bowling tournaments, and some sheriff and police departments host a motorcycle torch ride.

Special Olympics of Virginia hosted their annual Polar Plunge on February 2 at Virginia Beach. More than 3,300 people took the plunge in 39-degree temperature and raised $1,250,000. This is a great event to be involved with, and it’s a thrill meeting all of the athletes as they go into water. When you get home that evening and see all this on the news and hear the record number of plungers and money donated, you get a good feeling about yourself knowing that you were a part of it and that the money raised goes toward supporting the Special Olympic athletes. I hope all of our Legion Family can participate to help the Special Olympic athletes.

Linwood Moore

National Children & Youth Commission