EURE – There’s nothing more refreshing than taking a dip into the waters of Beaver Lake in Gates County….but that’s in the summertime.

It’s even more refreshing when the water temperatures mimic the air temperature in late January.

The 7th annual Polar Plunge to benefit Gates County Special Olympics is right around the corner, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 27.

Onsite registration opens at 10 a.m. The brave plungers will enter the water at 11:30 a.m.

For a minimum donation of $35, supporters can brave the chilly waters of Beaver Lake and take the plunge!

Plungers receive a t-shirt, their choice of chili or a hotdog/chips and lots of applause for their efforts!

If you are extremely brave, donate $75 and jump into the lake from the end of the pier.

Can’t do it by yourself? Then get a team together….the more, the merrier! Registration fees for teams are:

1-6 members: $300

7-8 members: $400

9-10 members: $500

10+ members contact Barbara Toti

There will also be a competition among the plungers for the best costumes and more. Winners receive a traveling trophy and bragging rights.

Additionally there is an Ice Cube Cub Challenge for children ages 8-and-under. For a $15 donation they can stick there toes into a kiddie pool.

Not up to the chilly challenge? If so, the Kennedy Chili Challenge is available for interested chefs! Chili must arrive by 10:30 a.m. on the day of the event to be included in judging. There is no cost to enter; just donate 15 servings of your best chili in a crockpot.

Concessions will be sold on site as well.

Join Project Unify and Special Olympics Gates County in making this event the best one yet.

For more information, to include on how to volunteer to help out at the event, contact Barbara Toti at totibb@gatescountyschools.net or contact her at Gates County High School (252-357-0720).

Beaver Lake, home of Beaver Lake Ski Club, is located just north of the Thad Eure Bridge (US 13) at Winton. Look for the signs near Dave’s Place.

“Since the Gates County School community and the local community have stepped up with a giant step to help these special athletes, most of whom have come through the local schools here in our county, the program has grown even more,” Toti noted. “Since 1988, where at that time athletics was the only sport to now, there are 20 athletes who participate in basketball, bowling, volleyball, bocce, cheerleading, powerlifting, as well as athletics. There are 10 coaches and a host of parents and volunteers.”

She said the budget, which is made up of donated monies, goes to help offset the cost of travel, meals on the road, equipment and uniforms and some practice venues (bowling). The athletes have been able to attend all local and state competitions, with most competitions over 90 miles away from the county.