SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – On Saturday, more than 300 Californians and Nevadans will plunge into the winter-chilled waters of South Lake Tahoe at Zephyr Cove – all in the name of Special Olympics. Donned in costumes but without the protection of wet suits, Special Olympics athletes and their supporters will jump into Tahoe’s icy waters for the South Lake Tahoe Polar Plunge, a fundraiser for Special Olympics Northern California and Nevada.

Plungers, which include individuals, companies, law enforcement, families and schools, are asked to raise a minimum of $125 – which provides one season of sports instruction and competition for a Special Olympics athlete at no cost to the athlete. The Polar Plunge raises funds that directly allow a Special Olympics athletes to participate in regional, national and international competitions all the while promoting acceptance, building bonds of friendship and unity and creating lifelong memories.

Plunge-day check-in opens at Zephyr Cove at 10 a.m. A costume contest will be held at 11:30 a.m. The plunge will take place at noon, and a post-Polar Plunge party at MontBleu at 1 p.m.

For more information on Special Olympics Northern California, visit www.sonc.org or visit www.sonv.org for Nevada. To register, visit www.iPolarPlungeNV.com.