Why I Plunge: Shawn Richards

January 7, 2025January 7, 2025 Category: Community Stories Posted by mcatini

You can make Special Olympics New Jersey athlete Shawn Richards a very happy person. How, you asked? Very easy: be a part of the 2025 Polar Bear Plunge at Wildwood! The funds raised at this event allow Special Olympics New Jersey to provide year-round sports training, competition, leadership opportunities, and health screenings to thousands of athletes. All of these programs and services are always completely FREE. It’s easy to see how this makes Shawn Richards, and what he calls his family of athletes, very happy.

In his own words: “What makes Special Olympics so special is that it is a family of athletes who want to shine together as one big star. We just want to be noticed and remembered for who we are and what we do. Being part of a team isn’t just a thing; it’s about putting your heart and soul into helping lift each other up.

My team represents courage, triumph, bravery, happiness, and, of course, the tears for both the good and the bad. The heart of Special Olympics isn’t just in the name; it’s in the meaning behind it. This past year, we changed our name from the Hammerhead Sharks to the Cumberland Sea Dragons.

This team is not just a Polar Bear Plunge team; it embodies the true spirit of the Special Olympics movement. That’s what makes us the heart of Special Olympics. Every team that has ever put on a jersey, cleats, swim trunks, or a Special Olympics uniform has become a family member. We don’t recognize each other by skin color or religion. What we recognize is the heart and soul of each other. When one person is down, we try to bring them back up.

My name is Shawn Richards, and I want to say thank you to everybody who has participated in the Polar Bear Plunge, whether from Seaside Heights or Wildwood. Thank you from the family of athletes of Special Olympics New Jersey.”

Richards has been involved in Special Olympics New Jersey for 18 years. He has competed in Basketball, Bocce, Swimming, Track & Field, and Volleyball. He works for Sheppard Bus and lives with his aunt Marie, who is a nurse, and his uncle Richard, who is his biggest fan. Shawn is also involved in the Polar Bear Plunge and he marches with the Misfits mummers group. Shawn is a big Philadelphia sports fan and loves football, baseball, basketball, and hockey.

Can’t participate at the Polar Bear Plunge in Wildwood? Worry not, there are a lot more opportunities to support Shawn, and all other Special Olympics New Jersey athletes! Just become part in one of the many fundraising events that are held throughout the year. The list is constantly updated, as new events become ready for registration.