Last year’s 11th Annual MSP/NRP Deep Creek Dunk raised $162,000 with the help of just under 800 Dunkers, with all proceeds benefiting Special Olympics Maryland and its year-round sports training and competition programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Once again, the fun starts early this year with Friday night’s “DunkFest” featuring the Toast Your Buns Bonfire from 6-10 p.m., live music beginning at 8 p.m., an outdoor pizza party and carnival games for the whole family, and fun drink specials both inside and out. Plus, those who are Dunking on Saturday can pre-register anytime between 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Friday evening and skip the lines altogether on Saturday.
In order to join the event and take a daring dip into Deep Creek Lake, participants must raise a minimum of $50 in pledges. For that contribution they will receive a complimentary meal from Uno Chicago Bar & Grill, a commemorative event sweatshirt, a group color photo, and the great feeling of freezing their fur off for a great cause. Special prizes will also be awarded for the top 3 fundraisers, the top law enforcement fundraiser, the best costume, and the top fundraising team. Heated changing tents are available on the lawn for both men and women to change in before and after.
Day-of registration begins at noon on Saturday, and the Dunk will take place at 2 p.m. There is no fee for spectators, and Dunkers of all ages are welcome – though participants under the age of 18 will need signed parental consent. To register, visit www.dunkmd.com or call 800-541-7544 x503 (MD only) or 410-789-6677 x503 and register through the 24-hour Dunk hotline.
“The Deep Creek Dunk is not just an event – it’s an experience,” said Tom Schniedwind, Exec. VP of Sports Marketing for Special Olympics Maryland. “There is just an amazing energy throughout the crowd before, during and after the Dunk as people embrace the spirit of fun and craziness that defines the event. And the best part is that all that positive energy ultimately translates into a better tomorrow for Special Olympics Maryland athletes in all of our communities.”
Dunk-day activities include music by DJ Johnny Rock, great food, a wacky costume contest and a live remote by WKHJ 104.5. Following the main event, The Black Bear Tavern is hosting the official Post-Dunk Party from 6 p.m. – close, complete with live music. A suggested $5 donation to Special Olympics Maryland gets you the official Deep Creek Dunk oval sticker and the chance to win great prizes all evening.
The MSP/NRP Deep Creek Dunk, presented by Uno Chicago Bar & Grill and the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, is coordinated jointly by the Maryland State Police, Natural Resources Police, Maryland Park Service and several other local law enforcement agencies. The Dunk –follows its sister event, the MSP Polar Bear Plunge, scheduled for January 24 at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis.
The MSP/NRP Dunk is just the beginning of a full weekend of activities for Special Olympics Maryland, with the annual SOMD Winter Games beginning the following evening, Feb. 28. Winter Games features competition in alpine skiing, modified alpine, cross-country skiing, and the newest addition, snowshoeing. Approximately 350 athletes from both Maryland and Delaware will travel to Garrett County for this state-level event. Things get underway at 7:30 p.m. Sunday evening with the exciting Opening Ceremony featuring a 10-minute fireworks display, followed by a full day of competition on Monday and a half day on Tuesday. Volunteers are needed and anyone interested should call 410-789-6677 x111 or visit www.somd.org for more information.
The Deep Creek Dunk is made possible by the following sponsors: Uno’s, and the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce – Presenting Sponsors; Wisp Resort – Founding Partner; Comcast, 104.5 WKHJ and 92.3 The Train – Media Partners; Long & Foster Resort Rentals – Official Lodging Partner; Aerotek, Constellation Energy, and the Council of Ravens Roosts – Legacy Partners; Saucy Salamander Catering Company, Sounds Fun Entertainment, Arrowhead Condominium Association, and the American Legion – Dunk Partners.
SOMD is a year-round sports organization dedicated to providing quality sports training and competition opportunities to Maryland’s children and adults with intellectual disabilities and/or closely related development disabilities. SOMD currently serves 10,000 athletes statewide, and offers 24 sports, all at no cost to the athletes or their families. For more information about SOMD visit www.somd.org or call 410-789-6677 x117.
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