By Carol Britton Meyer

This weekend’s Winter Warrior Games for Wellspring is an expanded and rebranded take on the former Drowned Hogs polar plunge, with a focus on families and friendly competition.

The addition of two competitive events this year – a Snowball (Dodgeball) Tournament and a Frozen Fingers Tug-of-War Tournament – is expected to attract a new audience as well as longtime participants, with a focus on building community while raising funds for a worthy cause. Organizers are expected a large turnout for all of the events.

The Drowned Hogs event started nearly 30 years ago as a Wellspring fundraiser for those daring enough to walk or run into the frigid waters of Nantasket Beach. The name was a play on words, as the polar plunge typically happened on or near Groundhog Day. Proceeds from this year’s event on Saturday, Jan. 27, will benefit both the Hull and Weymouth branches of Wellspring Multi-Service Center.

Wellspring President and CEO Vinny Harte shared the background of this popular event with The Hull Times.

“Twenty-nine years ago, six people jumped into the Atlantic and raised about $50. Since that time, this event has raised more than $500,000 for Wellspring,” he said. “What started with those six ‘athletes’ has grown to more than 200 swimmers a year, with more than double that amount of spectators, plus ‘designated dryers’ and donors, and some people wondering why anyone would do this! While the name of the event has changed, the spirit remains the same.”

The name was changed out of compassion for those families who have lost someone to drowning, and also puts Wellspring’s name front and center in an attempt to raise more dollars for the programs and services provided by this non-profit organization.

“We want our supporters to remember that this isn’t just some crazy thing to do. There is a reason for doing it,” Harte said. “The more swimmers who participate and the more money that is raised helps Wellspring provide more [vital] services to our neighbors in need.”

200 swimmers expected

Wellspring Advancement and Events Coordinator Jessie Pilewski told The Hull Times that about 200 swimmers are expected to participate in the Winter Warrior Games ’24, “especially as the weather is slated to be so nice that day. There are usually quite a few people who show up the morning of the event to participate as well.”

The additional events were added to help connect with a broader audience, and to distinguish the Wellspring polar plunge from the similar events that take place in the area.

“We also wanted to provide a family-friendly event with games that people of all ages could enjoy,” Pilewski said. “Both dodgeball and tug-of-war add a sense of nostalgia, so we expect some adults to get in on the action, too. Our hope is that in years to come we can continue to add even more events for everyone to enjoy.”

The Winter Warrior Games is a sponsorship opportunity for local businesses to support the event and at the same time gain exposure, with all proceeds directly benefitting Wellspring.

Same-day registration begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Mary Jeanette Murray Bath House at Nantasket Beach.

Warm-up party will add to the fun

The Snowball (Dodgeball) Tournament will take place from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by the Frozen Fingers Tug-of-War Tournament from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., the polar plunge starting at noon, and a Winter Warrior Warm-Up party at the nearby Parrot restaurant at 1 p.m. There is a $25 cover charge for non-participants in the Warrior Games.

The Parrot event will include a Kid Zone, featuring a candy bar, gourmet hot chocolate station, face painting, arts and crafts, a gaming station, and chicken fingers and macaroni and cheese. The Adult Zone will offer a live band, mimosa bar, and appetizers.

To register (fee is $50 each for both individuals and teams), scan the QR code or visit wellspringmultiservice.org/winter-warrior-games. Email jessie@wellspringmultiservice.org with questions and for sponsorship opportunities.

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor who is matching $50 for everyone who gets into the water, “no one is escaping this year!” Pilewski quipped. That includes Pilewski himself, and Harte, both of whom are looking forward to participating.

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