Costumes will replace bathing suits at the Special Olympics Polar Plunge, in which daring swimmers will take a dip for charity.
The sixth annual plunge starts at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Oro Valley Aquatic Center, 23 E. Calle Concordia. Registration, which starts at 9 a.m., is $25 per swimmer.
It’s part of a nationwide slate of Polar Plunges, many of which involve dips into chilly lakes or icy pools. The Oro Valley version of the event will lack the “polar” distinction because the Olympic-size pool is too large to fill with ice, event organizer Miguel Quezada said.
“Here in Tucson, it’s more of a solar plunge,” he said.
Although dressing up is not required, many participants gather in groups and wear themed costumes to the plunge and collect pledges.
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Lisa Chavez, who has participated in the event three times, is part of a team called Once Upon a Time. Members will dress in fairytale garb, with Chavez donning a Wicked Witch of the West getup.
Chavez chairs the Catalina Community Special Olympics Fundraising Committee, which has raised $2,500 in pledges for the event.
Proceeds from fundraisers typically pay for expenses related to competitions, such as training, uniforms, equipment, lodging and meals.
Special Olympics Arizona supports the 12,000 Special Olympians in the state, including 1,800 who live and train in the Tucson area.
“My first year I did it I was terrified,” Chavez said. “But it feels so good. There are teams made up of Special Olympics athletes that jump in and do it with their teams. It’s just amazing to do something a little bit crazy for a good cause.”
It’s a cause that’s useful to the Special Olympics.
“The fundraiser helps support all our different programs and services and helps us address the needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities in a number of different ways, primarily through competitions that happen throughout the year,” Quezada said.
“The fundraiser helps support all the different programs, services and needs for Special Olympics athletes in Tucson.”
Quezada said he expects more than 100 swimmers to take part in the event, raising between $20,000 and $30,000 for the nonprofit.
On top of the financial benefits, it’s also a good time.
“It’s fun and festive for everyone,” Quezada said. “People are being silly, wearing costumes, and raising money throughout the year for this. It’s a festive environment. There is music, food and camaraderie. It’s very energetic.”
