Blumenthal to take the plunge in Coventry

COVENTRY, Conn. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal is taking an icy plunge to benefit the Special OIympics of Connecticut.

The Democrat says he's participating Saturday in the annual Coventry Penguin Plunge. The event is scheduled to begin at noon at Coventry Lake at Patriots Park.

It is the first of nine such plunges being held across the state this winter to benefit the Special Olympics. Others are planned in January, February and March in Farmington, Winsted, Madison, New London, Middletown, Westport, Danbury and Ellington.

Participants solicit donations from family, friends and businesses, allowing them to run into the chilly waters.

The Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.