Recruits, students and Tiger Institute plunge for Special Olympics

By Tara Vocino

Approximately $10,000 was raised for the Special Olympics in Sunday’s Second Annual Polar Plunge outside of the Knights of Columbus.

Tiger Institute Shihan Amy Amirault began doing the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics in honor of my aunt Susie, who lived a very full life with Down syndrome and enjoyed participating in Special Olympics activities when she was young. Two years ago, she and her sister traveled to the Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) headquarters in Marlboro to participate in their very first mobile plunge with Bear Force One.

“The introduction of Bear Force One was a game changer for SOMA, making it possible to host these events in places where there may not be an appropriate body of water,” Amirault said. “This set me on a quest to bring the Polar Plunge to my hometown of Saugus, where I own and operate Tiger Institute Tae Kwon Do.”

As it turned out, the Saugus Police Department was in communication with Special Olympics at the same time that she was, so SPD has become the host organization, with Team Tiger Institute as a committed supporter.

“Our martial arts programs are focused on personal growth, so students are taught skills that build confidence, character, and leadership capabilities, in addition to self-defense and physical fitness,” Amirault said. “The Tiger Institute has a strong culture of inclusivity, as well as community service, so the Polar Plunge is a perfect opportunity for us to make a greater impact, while teaching these values to our young members.”

They believe that there is a place for everyone in the martial arts and are fortunate to have more adaptability than most physical activities. This is why there are no martial arts programs within the Special Olympics, except for Judo. Over the years, she has taught individuals with cerebral palsy, limb differences, Down Syndrome, dyspraxia, visual and hearing impairments and mental/developmental challenges, all within their mainstream classes.

“The Tiger Institute is grateful for this partnership with the Saugus Police Department, and we look forward to plunging again next year,” Amirault said.

Saugus Police Academy recruit Todd Tringale, who graduated from Saugus High in 2019, was a Unified Basketball player with the Sachems Buddies program and worked for Northeast Arc to teach special needs life skills. Saugus Police Academy recruit Marc Bouche said he appreciates participating in charity events. They are slated to be sworn in as officers at Town Hall in April.

Saugus Middle High School eighth grader Addie Picardi and her sister, Emma, participated in honor of their cousin, Bethany Petrusky, who has Down syndrome.

Special Olympics Development Manager Kyle Cronin said it’s a great partnership to jump for inclusion for 20,000 Special Olympic athletes.

According to Detective Stacey Forni, 50 people signed up to plunge.

For information, visit https://www.specialolympicsma.org/event/2026-letr-saugus-mobile-plunge.