On Saturday, Feb. 11, the Parkview Field concourse will be taken over by some brave souls, each person "freezin' for a reason" at the Special Olympics Indiana and Allen County 2012 Fort Wayne Polar Plunge.
 
The event raises money to provide year-round sports training and athletic competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics relies on corporate, civic and individual donations to keep the program alive and receives no federal- or state-appropriated funds.
 
In a new twist on an already popular event, the Parkview Field concourse, 1301 Ewing St., will be lined with a new, unused dumpster filled with ice-cold water, donated by Republic Services, Inc. Daredevils will take the plunge at noon, and participants who raised the most money will enjoy a luxurious hot-tub soak — a pretty good incentive to raise the most money, considering the average February high in Fort Wayne is just 34 degrees.
 
To participate, each individual must raise at least $75 in pledges to benefit Special Olympics Indiana. Prior to the event, participants must commit to the 2012 Fort Wayne Polar Plunge by registering online at www.firstgiving.com/soindiana/12fortwayne. Participants then collect pledges in person or online through their own personal fundraising page that can be created during the registration process. On Feb. 11, participants bring their pledges and a copy of their online fundraising totals to the registration table for a final tally of who raised the most money to benefit the organization. Registration for the Polar Plunge takes place on the concourse from 10-11:30 a.m.
 
Those who raise at least $75 will get a free, souvenir event T-shirt, while pledges of $300 or more can pick from various prizes. T-shirts will be passed out at registration, while other prizes will be mailed after the event.
 
The opening and torch-lighting ceremonies will be hosted by WANE-TV weekend anchor Alyssa Ivanson in the "Olympic Village" beginning at 11:45 a.m. Mayor Tom Henry will also be there to help kick off the event and country radio station K105-FM will broadcast the festivities live on air.
 
Don't want to take the plunge? That's ok — there are plenty of other opportunities for fun, like carnival game stations throughout the Parkview Field concourse.
 
When the plunging is done, the After Splash Bash in Parkview Field's Lincoln Financial Event Center will warm up guests with a concert by local band "Sugar Shot," as well as food and drinks. All awards will be handed out at the post-plunge party.

Article courtesy of FWDailyNews.com