Photos: O'Shea, Cunningham and Hurley Take the Polar Plunge

The local officials participated in a Polar Plunge for Special Olympics-Chicago as part of the 19th Ward Youth Foundation team.

The sun may have felt warm Sunday morning, but the water sure didn't. The water in Lake Michigan, that is, where about 2,500 shivering Chicagoans took a frigid dip in support of Special Olympics Chicago. Group after group sprinted into the lake—which was forming a layer of ice during the event—at Lincoln Park's North Avenue Beach.  Representing the Beverly and Mt. Greenwood community was Ald. Matt O'Shea, State Sen. Bill Cunningham and State Rep. Fran Hurley who all braved the icy waters in the name of the 19th Ward Youth Foundation Team.  Each team was required to raise $150 for the charity, coordinators said, and they hoped to hit their goal of $1 million. View more photos from the event on Lincoln Park Patch.  Lincoln Park Patch Editor …

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19th Ward Youth Foundation Plans Polar Plunge

The fundraising effort will see local officials brave the wintry temps.

The 19th Ward Youth Foundation invites all residents to join its team for the Chicago Polar Plunge, which will take place on March 3 at North Avenue Beach from 9:30 am to 2 pm. Already committed to taking part in the 19th Ward Youth Foundation Chicago Polar Plunge team are 19th Ward Alderman Matt O’Shea, 18th District State Senator Bill Cunningham, and 35th District State Representative Fran Hurley. To join the 19th ward Youth Foundation Polar Plunge Team, please visit www.sochicago.org, and register to participate in the Chicago Polar Plunge. Participants can then “Join A Team”, and choose the 19th Ward Youth Foundation Team. All plungers are asked to raise a minimum of $150 and will receive a complimentary t-shirt and towel. Money raised…

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PHOTOS: Special Recreation Basketball Day

Special Olympics Basketball Day draws large local crowd at McAuley High School.

There was Nate the Great, Jumpin' Jenna and Scotty "Airless" Curtiss wowing a huge local crowd for the biggest game of the year. The special recreation athletes from Oak Lawn, Evergreen Park, Burbank, Chicago Ridge, Worth and Crestwood showed how well they can play the game of basketball at the annual fundraiser to raise money for Oak Lawn Special Recreation. Connect with Patch: Evergreen Park / Oak Lawn / Beverly-Mt. Greenwood The high school-aged Eagles and younger Junior Jordans faced split their teams and faced off against each other for two action-packed basketball games at Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School. The Brother Rice High School Marching Band set the tone of the festive game day with some rousing Motown tunes. Assisting …

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Junior Jordans and Eagles Face Off Saturday for Special Olympics Basketball Game

Special Olympics basketball teams and pep squad play at Mother McAuley High School on Saturday in fundraiser for special recreation programs.

  When the Junior Jordans and Eagles hit the court this weekend they’ll not only be showing how well they can play the game of basketball, they’ll be raising money for the special recreation programs that have been their lifeline to the community. The high school-aged Eagles and younger Junior Jordans will split their teams and square off against each other starting at noon Saturday (Jan. 19) at Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School. Both Special Olympic teams have been practicing for the big game for weeks in anticipation of playing in front of a big crowd. And like the Broadway musical Damn Yankees, they’ll be doing it with style and heart. “Not only are these kids great athletes, they’re great entertainers,” organizer John Zawaski …

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Special Olympics Basketball Teams to Play at McAuley

The fundraiser will feature the hoops talents of area Special Olympics basketball players.

Players Prepare for Special Olympics Basketball Game and Fundraiser

The Junior Jordans and Eagles will be playing at Mother McAuley next week. All the proceeds go toward providing special recreation opportunities.

The basketball players are practicing their dribbling, lacing up their sneakers and gearing up for next week's big game.  The Junior Jordans and Eagles will be playing on Jan. 19 at Mother McAuley High School. The game is not only a chance for the Special Olympics teams to play in front of a big crowd, but it also serves as a major fundraiser.  John Zawaski started the event five years ago as a way to raise money for the teams. They receive no government funding and the funds go not just toward the basketball teams, but supplement athletic and social programs for special needs children and adults. Zawaski says that event not only raises money, but raises awareness while giving the players an experience to remember. All for the cost of just…

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