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Annual Special Olympics Polar Plunge planned for Feb. 20
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Special Olympics Polar Plunge is seeking out individuals willing to take a winter jump into Clear Lake in order to support local athletes.
The plunge will be held on Saturday, Feb. 20, at Lakeside County Park in Kelseyville.
Registration is from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m., with the costume contest at 11:45 a.m., the plunge at noon and the post party at 12:30 p.m.
The Polar Plunge is a unique opportunity for individuals, organizations and businesses to support Lake County Special Olympics athletes by jumping into icy, cold Clear Lake.
Special Olympics is an all-volunteer organization that 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 everyday lives, giving them the opportunity to be contributing members of society.
The Polar Plunge is not a swim but a fundraiser – the only fundraiser Lake County Special Olympics has each year, with proceeds supporting more than 100 athletes involved in basketball, track and field, bocce, softball, golf and soccer.
Plungers must raise a minimum of $125 in donations to participate. Don't want to dip but still want to help? Register as a “chicken” and you'll be excused from plunging.
Participants can register and set up their own personal or team Web page at www.polarplungenorcalnv.com/kelseyville , and email family, friends and coworkers asking for their support.
A minimum $125 donation earns participants a Polar Plunge hooded sweatshirt and free admission to the post-plunge party. More incentive prizes are received at higher donation levels. People registered as chickens receive all the same prizes.
All money raised will support Lake County athletes and cover the necessary sports equipment, uniforms, transportation to out-of-county competitions and other related expenses. Special Olympics receives no government dollars.
Lake County faced many challenges in 2015 due to the devastating wildland fires, with individuals, nonprofits and public organizations facing increased financial strain.
In recognition of the county's increased challenges, organizers ask that community members participate in the fundraiser as they are able, and offer thanks for the help already received.
Donations can be made online at www.polarplungenorcalnv.com/kelseyville or mailed to Lake County Special Olympics, P.O. Box 94, Lakeport, CA 95453.
For more information contact fundraiser Steve and Peggy Buchholz at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-279-4280.