Taking the Polar Plunge helps thousands of Special Olympics Colorado athletes

DENVER -- Special Olympics Colorado hopes to raise more than $500,000 through seven Polar Plunges planned for this February and March.

• February 11 - Aurora Reservoir
• February  11 - Avon Lake
• February  25 - Denver Zoo (City Park 5k)
• February  25 - Lake Pueblo
• March 4 - Boulder Reservoir
• March 4 - Horsetooth Reservoir
• March 18 - Cheyenne Mountain Resort

The plunges are the largest fundraiser for Special Olympics Colorado.

“That’s how we get gear, that’s how we get all the stuff,” Special Olympic athlete Cody Field told Denver7.

Special Olympics Colorado provides an outlet for more than 22,000 athletes.

“In Colorado, we put on over 100 competitions every year, every single year,” Special Olympics Colorado CEO Mindy Watrous said. “Our athletes have the opportunity to compete in 22 sports, four seasons.”

The Polar Plunge is the primary fundraiser for Special Olympics in 47 states.

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“The Florida Polar Plunge can’t be that tough,” Mindy remarked with a smirk. “For some reason, people really like jumping into the icy cold water, where it only takes and a second and then it’s a big party.”

If you want to take part, she suggests you don’t overdress.

“You don't want a lot of clothes on because they are hard to get off when they are that cold,” she explained.

“It may have a brain freeze on you,” Cody added. “But as long as you've got a partner up there that has a towel you can just grab a towel quickly and just what! Then you're okay.”

Cody says he thinks everyone should take part in the plunge, including former Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning.

“If he can do football I bet you he can plunge,” Cody said. “If I were to say a recommendation, Peyton -- if you're listening to this right now, do me a favor, join our team and donate to us somehow. We need your support.  We need it badly. We need it beyond.”