The annual Fort Dodge Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics Iowa will begin at 1 p.m. Sunday at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, 1415 Nelson Ave. Onsite registration and check-in will be from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

“It is inspiring to see the public come out and support not only the athletes in their own community but all Special Olympics Iowa athletes,” said Maddie Cory, event coordinator.

All proceeds from the event benefit Special Olympics Iowa. Last year, the Fort Dodge Polar Plunge raised $9,082.

Currently, there are more than 60 volunteers signed up to take the plunge on Sunday. Each volunteer commits to raising at least $75 to donate to Special Olympics Iowa, and then on the day of the event, they “plunge” into the frigid waters — many of them while wearing wacky costumes.

-Messenger file photo
Kim Gordon, of Fort Dodge, dressed as a turkey for the Special Olympics Polar Plunge at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park in 2022.

Last year, because of work being done on Badger Lake, Special Olympics Iowa brought in a 2,500-gallon tank to use for the event, which will return again this year. Organizers hope to return to plunging in Badger Lake in 2024, Megan Filipi, director of marketing and communications for Special Olympics Iowa, said.

Chickens — those who raise funds but don’t plunge in the water — are also invited to the event, as are spectators, according to a release from Filipi.

A post-party will begin in the park shelter immediately after the plunge, where winners of the best costume and top fundraiser are recognized.

For more information, to donate or to register for the plunge, visit https://www.classy.org/campaign/2023-fort-dodge-polar-plunge/c502450.