The Thirsty Pony in Sandusky will be the site of a Freezin’ for a Reason Polar Bear Plunge for the benefit of Special Olympics Ohio, Saturday, Jan. 30.

Everyone – individuals and those from groups and organizations – is invited to participate in the wacky winter activity, which raises funds for Special Olympics athletes in Ohio.

This is the same Polar Bear Plunge that has been held in Sandusky previous years at Cedar Point. The site is changed this year – complete with a new Polar Bear Plunge pool.

As part of this experience, participants obtain monetary pledges and then agree to jump or slowly crawl (however the case may be) into the frigid January water. A new opportunity in 2010 is “Too Chicken to Plunge.” To participate, one raises a minimum of $30 and is awarded with a “Too Chicken to Plunge” T-shirt – as well the opportunity not to Plunge.

The activities for the Sandusky/Thirsty Pony plunge begin with a pre-registration party, Jan. 29, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Thirsty Pony, located near the Cedar Point entrance. Day-of-event registration begins on-site Saturday at 10 a.m. A costume contest is scheduled for 12:15 p.m. with the plunge starting at 12:30 p.m. A post-plunge party starts at 2 p.m.

Pre-registration and all pertinent information is available at sooh.org. Local information is available from Sandusky Plunge Coordinator Tracey Susana at brucru954@ aol.com or 419-202-9627.

A minimum of $75 in pledges is necessary to participate. All plungers receive a T-shirt and goody bag. There are also incentive prizes for those who raise more than the minimum pledge.

The Sandusky Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics Ohio is one of nine scheduled throughout Ohio this winter. Others are scheduled in Cincinnati (a combined effort between Ohio and Kentucky Special Olympics), Feb. 6; Ohio University, in Athens, Feb. 13; Crew Stadium, in Columbus, Feb. 20; Geneva State Park, Feb. 27; Grand Lake St. Marys, in Celina, March 6; Greater Dayton, March 13; and Indian Lake, March 20.

Special Olympics Ohio provides year-round sports training and competition opportunities for adults and children with intellectual disabilities, giving them opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with their own families, their peers and the community. Currently, Special Olympics Ohio serves more than 23,000 athletes throughout the state.

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