Splash for cash:Polar Plunge returns to Folsom Saturday to benefit Special Olympics

A longtime charitable event is returning to Folsom Lake Saturday. Brave souls will endure the cold waters at Brown's Ravine this Saturday, March 19 as the annual Polar Plunge returns, an event that raises awareness and funds for the Special Olympics of Northern California. Polar Plunges take place annually in numerous cities to assist the Special Olympics in its mission to "encourage inclusion and change the way people treat individuals with intellectual disabilities." After many years at Lake Natoma, the event moves this year to Brown's Ravine at Folsom Lake. Next Saturday's event is far more than a quick dip in the lake. It includes a special breakfast and pre-party for participants, along with games and live music by Bobby Dickson of the Cash Prophets as well as various games, and a ceremony that recognizes area Special Olympics volunteers and participants for their contributions to the organization. The annual Polar Plunge is just as entertaining to watch as it is to participate as many plungers dress in costume to take their dip. Just prior to everyone trekking to the water, a costume parade will take place that is judged for various awards. Saturday's event marks the first time that the event takes place in person since 2019, after being virtual the last two years. Individuals fundraise or pay $125 or more for the experience of plunging into the chilly waters and supporting some 24,000 Special Olympics athletes in the way of year-round sports training, health initiatives, education and leadership programs throughout Northern California. There are different levels to participate in the event; a "Cool School" entry can take the plunge for just $50 but must raise at least $125 for the event T-shirt. Many businesses and organizations form teams for the event. This year, a team captain incentive offers a complimentary double room at the Lake Natoma Inn the night prior to the event for the team captain who raises $3,500 or more. Check in for Saturday's Polar Plunge opens at 10 a.m. as the pre-party and breakfast is served. Opening ceremonies will begin at 11:15 a.m., followed by a presentation of fundraising awards at 11:30 a.m. The parade begins at 11:45 a.m. with the plunge taking place at 12 p.m. Those wishing to participate can sign up online at www.sonc.org, the Special Olympics of Northern California website. If you can't bear the thought of chilly water but want to support the Special Olympics, you can register as a chicken and enjoy all the festivities and incentive rewards, without taking the plunge. As of Wednesday, 104 people have already registered as individual entries in next week's event, 21 teams have registered and more than $45,000 has already been raised from the event before it has even taken place. Special Olympics is the world's largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and physical disabilities, providing year-round training and competitions to 5 million athletes and Unified Sports partners in 172 countries. Next week, the Folsom Telegraph will offer additional advance coverage of this event and take a look at the history of the Northern California Special Olympics in the Greater Sacramento region.