LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Special Olympics is inviting community members to come jump in the lake this weekend to support the group's programs.
The annual Lake County Special Olympics Polar Plunge will be held Saturday, Feb. 23, at Lakeside County Park, located at 1985 Park Drive in Kelseyville.
Donned in costumes but without the protection of wetsuits, Special Olympics athletes and their supporters will jump into Clear Lake's winter-chilled waters as part of one of seven such plunges taking place around the state that day.
The plungers must raise a minimum of $125 to take part, an amount that covers one season of training and competition for a single athlete.
Those taking the plunge at the $125 level earn a hooded sweatshirt and entry to the post-plunge party at the Kelseyville Lions Club. There are more incentive prizes at the $300, $600, $1,000 and $2,500 levels.
For those who want to avoid a dip in the icy lake, they can register as “chickens” and also help support the cause while having the added benefits of staying warm and dry.
Registration takes place beginning at 10 a.m., with costume judging at 11:30 a.m.
The plunge takes place at noon, with the post-plunge party at 1 p.m.
Anyone wanting to support Special Olympics athletes is welcome to participate. Participants have included 7-year-olds to 70-year-olds, police officers, firefighters, company teams, high school clubs, fraternities and everyone in between. Those under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver.
Registration and donations currently are being accepted online at www.polarplungelakecounty.com .
Special Olympics provides free year-round sports training and competition opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
By participating in Special Olympics, athletes gain self-confidence and self-esteem that carries over into their every day lives, giving them the opportunity to succeed in life.
All money raised will support Lake County athletes.
This is the only source of funding for Lake County Special Olympics, which does not receive government dollars.
In 2012, Special Olympics Northern California and Nevada had more than 1,300 plungers who raised more than $430,000 for athletes.