Norwich cadets volunteer at 30th Annual Penguin Plunge for Special Olympics Vermont

Earlier this month, a driven group of roughly 20 Norwich cadets enthusiastically volunteered during the 30th annual Penguin Plunge helping to raise money for Special Olympics Vermont. Each year 100-200 Norwich students work with Special Olympics Vermont athletes and programs annually in a variety of ways including volunteer efforts, coaching, and mentoring. In addition to helping with the Penguin Plunge in Burlington, Vermont, Norwich University’s campus and students have hosted multiple annual Special Olympics Vermont tournaments, including Unified basketball and soccer tournaments, for more than 35 years.

Cadet Isabelle Orta was among those who volunteered. The Floridian braved the winter wind-swept Lake Champlain shores for a very worthy cause. “I wanted to understand why people were insane enough to jump into freezing water,” stated Cadet Orta. “I knew we were supporting Special Olympics Vermont from our briefing, but I didn’t realize just how many lives this organization touches. Seeing all the athletes and sponsors come together to raise money for such an incredible cause was inspiring, and as a volunteer I had a front-row view.”

Through the collective efforts of Special Olympics Vermont and various committed stakeholders, over 1,000 daring participants took part in the icy Penguin Plunge. The successful event raised more than $550,000, entirely dedicated to supporting the ongoing efforts of Special Olympics Vermont. These significant funds will enable essential support to over 2,900 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state of Vermont. 

The cadets, primarily from Hotel Company, provided support in a variety of ways. They continued to monitor the waves of participants coming in and out of the warming tents to ensure everybody stayed healthy. Potentially as important, they actively cheered the participants, adding a little extra supporting energy while giving out high-fives before and after the dip into the frigid waters. The energetic cadets viewed themselves as the personal hype crew to all those around them. “Every cadet came out of this event feeling incredible, having met new people, earning unlimited free hot cocoa, and being a part of something bigger than ourselves,” said Cadet Orta. “The Special Olympics of Vermont is doing something special with this event, and I look forward to maybe even plunging next year.” 

The bond between Special Olympics Vermont and Norwich has truly been mutually beneficial. Special Olympics Vermont President & CEO Sarah McCaffrey previously described the unique bond saying “Norwich University’s partnership with Special Olympics Vermont exemplifies the transformative power of collaboration, uniting academic excellence with inclusive sportsmanship. Together, we champion diversity, empower individuals, and inspire communities to embrace the limitless potential within every athlete.”

About Special Olympics Vermont

Special Olympics Vermont is part of a global movement that works year-round to foster the inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities by using the power of sport to showcase their gifts and abilities. For more information, visit www.specialolympicsvermont.org.

About Norwich University

Norwich University is a diversified academic institution that educates traditional-age students and adults in a Corps of Cadets and as civilians. Norwich offers a broad selection of traditional and distance-learning programs culminating in baccalaureate and graduate degrees. Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge of the U.S. Army and is the oldest private military college in the United States of America. Norwich is one of our nation's six senior military colleges and the birthplace of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). www.norwich.edu