WARSAW — Residents of Warsaw and the surrounding communities are taking the cold weather literally Saturday, Feb. 20, as they brave the wintry waters once again for the 2016 Polar Plunge, benefiting Special Olympics Indiana.

On-site registration, including walk-ups, will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Center Lake Pavilion. The plunge will begin at 12:30 p.m. at Center Lake.

As Special Olympics Indiana’s signature fundraising event, the Polar Plunge invites Hoosiers to be “freezin’ for a reason” by raising funds for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Polar Plunge participants will partake in one of 16 sites throughout the state during the months of January and February with the largest plunge culminating at Eagle Creek Beach in Indianapolis Saturday, March 5.

Last year, the Polar Plunge season raised more than $600,000 for Special Olympics Indiana.

“The Polar Plunge not only raises money to benefit more than 11,000 Special Olympics athletes around the state, but promotes awareness of our mission,” shared Special Olympics Indiana President and CEO Michael Furnish. “Events such as these, unify the community which is incredible.”

In order to plunge, participants must raise a “bear” minimum of $75 or $50 minimum with a student ID. Awards are given for those who raise the most funds for Special Olympics Indiana. The event also includes prizes for the best costume, incentives for dollars raised and an After Splash Bash. The After Splash Bash invites plungers to warm up immediately in Center Lake Pavilion.

While complimentary hot food and beverages will be available for “plungers,” a nominal $5 fee will be charged for guests eat.

While waiting to plunge, participants can snap pictures at the plunge photo booth and take photos with the official Polar Plunge mascot, Paw R. Bear.

Participants can tag their photos using #WarsawPlunge for a chance to appear on the live social media feed at the event. Photographs of participants plunging will also be uploaded to social media shortly after a participant plunges.

The Polar Plunge events are presented by the Indiana Law Enforcement Torch Run to benefit Special Olympics. For more information about the Polar Plunge event in Warsaw and to register to participate or support other plungers, visit www.polarplungeIN.org or call (317) 328-2000.