It's almost time to take the annual leap into frigid waters to help thousands of Special Olympics athletes across the state. For the third straight year Owatonna hosts a plunge.

The Polar Plunge in Owatonna will be held at Lake Kohlmier on Saturday, January 28. Check-in is from 11AM to 1PM, with the plunge beginning at 1PM. Individuals are encouraged to sign up in advance and bring their donations to the event.

Participants are asked to raise a minimum of $75. Money raised goes toward events and programming for more than 8,000 Special Olympics athletes across Minnesota. About 175 brave souls jumped into Lake Kohlmeier each of the past two years. Jumpers should bring family and friends to cheer for all the leapers, some of which may have second thoughts as they stand at the edge of the chilly water getting cold feet, literally and figuratively. Many jumpers dress in matching outfits or costumes.

Owatonna Area Special Olympics serves about 100 athletes in and nearby to Steele County. On a related note, the Owatonna Knights of Columbus are hosting a fundraising breakfast Sunday, January 15, to benefit Owatonna Special Olympics and Advocates for Developmental Disabilities. The breakfast is from 8AM to 12:15PM at St. Mary's School.

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