8/12/2014 - Mayor O'Leary, City Leaders to Participate in ALS Ice Bucket Challenge


Students, teachers, parents, and the public at large is invited to watch Mayor O’Leary have a bucket of ice water dumped on his head at the 17th Annual Back to School Rally on Wednesday, August 20, at Library Park in downtown Waterbury. The event runs from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., with the ALS Ice Bucket challenge taking place at approximately 2:00 p.m.

The purpose of the Back to Rally is to get kids pumped up and enthusiastic about learning during the new school year, which begins the following Monday, August 25. The event focuses on helping kids prepare to return to the classroom by offering information about after-school programs, healthcare support, community resources, school supplies, raffles and much more. Waterbury Youth Service System, Inc. (WYSS) along with the Mayor’s Office, the Waterbury Department of Education and other local organizations coordinate the rally, which takes place rain or shine.

Mayor O’Leary extended the ALS Ice Bucket challenge to City of Waterbury Department Heads, school principals, and members of the Board of Aldermen and Board of Education, all of who will be making monetary contributions to raise awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, in addition to getting a bucket of ice water dumped on their heads in front of thousands of spectators. Mayor O’Leary anticipates 60 participants on stage at Library Park.

Mayor O’Leary last week was nominated to take the challenge by Board of Education Commissioner Jason Van Stone.