This weekend there will be a lot of folks freezin' for a reason.
The Special Olympics Polar Plunge is Saturday, Feb. 10, on The Green at Ross's Landing.
The public is invited to join brave souls and run, jump or belly flop into a pool of freezing water to raise funds for Special Olympics Tennessee.
Nine Polar Plunges are being held in Tennessee, beginning last month and continuing through February, says Jennifer McAfee, Special Olympics Tennessee spokeswoman. The Chattanooga Plunge, presented by Summers, Rufolo and Rodgers Attorneys at Law, benefits Special Olympic athletes in Bledsoe, Bradley, Grundy, Hamilton, Marion, McMinn, Polk, Rhea and Sequatchie counties.
The plunge works like a walk-a-thon. Plungers must raise a minimum of $75 to participate ($50 for children and students). Once participants register at www.polarplungetn.com, they can invite friends, family, co-workers and others to sponsor them by donating money toward their plunge.
Registration begins Saturday at 10 a.m., and walk-ups are allowed. All plungers must sign a waiver of release and plungers under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian signature.
The first plunger will hit the water about 11:30 a.m.
All plungers receive a long-sleeve T-shirt, free lunch and bragging rights. Prizes are awarded top fundraising individuals and teams. All plungers and volunteers will also receive a free lunch provided by Chicken Salad Chick.
Plungers are encouraged to come costumed, and a costume contest will be held prior to the plunge at 11 a.m..
"We do not allow dive suits in the pool, but everything else is allowed," says McAfee.