'FREEZIN’ FOR A REASON' - Big Bear Lake Polar Plunge for Special Olympics

Special Olympics leaders in Southern California are recruiting people to raise money by jumping into Big Bear Lake next month, and city of Beaumont officials are helping promote the event.

Organizers are also seeking businesses to sponsor the Inaugural Big Bear Lake Polar Plunge.

The lake is expected to be freezing or at least part frozen when the big dip commences just after noon Saturday March 10 at Swim Beach, 41218 Park Avenue, Big Bear Lake, according to Dan McKernan, director of marketing and public relations for the Big Bear Lake Resort Association.

"Big Bear Lake’s water gets rather frigid in the wintertime with lake temperatures dipping into the low 30s, sometimes into the 20s," McKernan said in an announcement.

"So why would anyone deliberately take a dip in the lake during these freezing conditions? The only reason that makes rational sense is to raise funds for people in need. On Saturday, March 10, the most brazen will take the Polar Plunge into Big Bear Lake to raise money to benefit Special Olympics athletes," McKernan said.

"Organizers are now seeking fearless men, women and children to sign-up for the inaugural Big Bear Lake Polar Plunge, which helps sponsor year-round sports training programs and athletic competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the Inland Empire Region of Special Olympics Southern California," McKernan said.

All proceeds from the event will give people with intellectual disabilities opportunities "to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, accomplishments, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community," McKernan said.

Individuals who take part in the Polar Plunge are asked to raise at least $50 through pledges from family, friends and co-workers, McKernan said. Participants who reach the $50 goal will get an official Polar Plunge T-shirt.

Special Olympics supporters who prefer to stay out of the water can opt to register as a "Chicken." They receive an "I'm too Chicken to Plunge" T-shirt, which helps raise money for the Special Olympics charity, McKernan said.

Additional prizes will be given to people who raise more than $50, and for those with the most creative costumes.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses, organizations and individuals who want to pledge $500 or more.

"All it takes is a few seconds in the chilly water for plungers to discover why we refer to it as Freezin’ for a Reason," Special Olympics Southern California Regional Director Abbey Leffler said. "They will immediately feel their hearts warm up with joy because they know they are giving to a great cause. Nothing is too cold for a warm heart!"

More details of the event:

- Each plunger gets a moment in the spotlight with a public service announcement that briefly portrays each plunger and why he or she is taking the plunge.

- Plungers are encouraged to invite people who give a pledge to the event to prove that they really take the plunge, and to see first hand how bonkers the plungers really are.

- Spectators are encouraged to take photos and video.

- Costumes have become a staple at Polar Plunge events. Awards are given to participants with the best costumes, which are judged by creativity and all-around wackiest.

- Activities include a family fun area, guest emcee, DJ music, a souvenirs stand, vendors, and a raffle drawing with prizes. There is a free barbecue lunch for participants. Spectators have the option to purchase lunch tickets.

Registration is 10 a.m. to noon on the day of the event.

Opening ceremonies, which include a torch-lighting ceremony and singing of the National Anthem, begin at noon.

Plunges into Big Bear Lake immediately follow the opening ceremonies.

Admission to watch the plunge is free, but donations are accepted.

To register as a plunger for the Big Bear Lake Polar Plunge visit www.sosc.org/bigbearplunge or call 951-672-7707 or email aleffler@sosc.org.

For lodging accommodations log onto www.bigbear.com or call (800) 424-4232.

Special Olympics Southern California has been changing lives through the power of sport for more than 40 years, and offers opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to participate in year-round sports training and competition.

For more information about how to compete, coach or contribute, visit www.sosc.org.