Pictured are 2017 Polar Plunge participants entering the water.

WARSAW — Supporters in Warsaw and surrounding communities will come together this winter to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics Indiana before taking part in the organization’s annual Polar Plunge fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 17.

On-site registration for the event will take place inside the pavilion at Center Lake Beach, 119 E. Canal St., beginning at 10 a.m., with participants lining up to take the plunge into the lake at noon. Advance registration is available online at www.PolarPlungeIN.org.

Special Olympics Indiana’s signature fundraiser, the Polar Plunge is a series of exhilarating events held each winter where individuals and teams brave the elements by taking an icy dip to demonstrate their commitment to the cause. All funds raised by the events directly benefit more than 14,000 Special Olympics athletes throughout the state, giving them the means to train locally and to compete at the state level in a number of Olympic-type sports.

“This is an opportunity for people who care about Special Olympics to make a difference by ensuring that we have the necessary funds to continue to grow and to serve people with intellectual disabilities in Indiana,” said Scott Furnish, Special Olympics Indiana’s senior director of development. “Plus, it’s kind of fun to challenge yourself to go outside your comfort zone and to do something a little crazy, like jumping in a lake in the middle of winter.”

To participate, individuals must raise a minimum of $75 ($50 with a student ID) for Special Olympics Indiana, with awards presented to top fundraising teams and individuals. Participants can register as individuals or gather friends, family members, co-workers, or others and register as a team.

The event also will include an After Splash Bash, where additional prizes will be awarded as participants warm up with complimentary food and beverages. Spectators and guests are welcome throughout and can take part in the After Splash Bash festivities for a $5 fee.

To date, the Polar Plunge has raised over $4 million in support of Special Olympics Indiana’s year-round programs and events, including more than $750,000 in 2017.  More than 3,000 individuals are expected to take the plunge this year, with a total of 16 separate events scheduled in cities and towns across the state.

The Polar Plunge is presented by the Law Enforcement Torch Run to Benefit Special Olympics and is sponsored by Duke Energy, Graycor Industrial Constructors, Coca-Cola, DePuy Synthes, the Bowen Center, Uptown Retro Girl and others. To learn more or to register or make a contribution in support of a participating individual or team, visit www.polarplungeIN.org.