Obama opts out of Ice Bucket Challenge after being nominated by Ethel Kennedy, will donate money to ALS charity instead

Apparently President Barack Obama’s Martha’s Vineyard vacation has him too busy to participate in the latest social media trend.

On Sunday, Ethel Kennedy, widow of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, nominated Obama, who is currently vacationing in Cape Cod, for the Ice Bucket Challenge,” a charity campaign which has gone viral on social media.

Challenge participants drench themselves in ice cold water to raise awareness for and funds to combat Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Those who take the icy plunge videotape themselves then nominate others, continuing the cycle. Nominees have 24 hours to complete the challenge. If they choose not to dump the ice water on themselves, they must donate to ALS research or a charity of their choice.

“Welcome to Cape Cod, President Obama. I nominate you,” a soaked Kennedy, 86, said after successfully completing the challenge on Sunday.

The president won’t be drenching himself in ice water anytime soon, but he will be making a donation to a charity that works to combat ALS.

According to Boston Globe reporter Matt Kiser, White House spokesperson Eric Schultz responded in Obama’s place with the following statement:

Watch Ethel Kennedy complete the Ice Bucket Challenge below:

Post by Maxwell Kennedy.