Here’s the perfect opportunity for you to make an incredibly rewarding splash – The Polar Bear Plunge at The Lakes. All proceeds benefit Tempe adapted recreation programs, which provide recreational and social opportunities for individuals with special needs.

The sixth annual Polar Bear Plunge returns at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21, to The Lakes of Tempe, 5501 S. Lakeshore Dr.

Polar Bears will earn their bragging rights by jumping into the cold community swimming pool for a desert-style unified polar plunge. Those not quite crazy enough to jump can still join in the fun as Teddy Bears.

The entry fee is $20 for either Bear and includes a cool long-sleeve t-shirt, hot beverages and yummy snacks. You can register online at www.LakesPolarPlunge.com or sign-up the morning of the plunge. Check-in and Day of registration begins at 8am on Saturday and we’ll be plunging at 9am. Day of registration increases to $25.

Last year, nearly 150 Polar Bears jumped into the cool pool, with another hundred Bears cheering them on. Due to the generous support of the community, more than $30,000 has been raised since in inaugural event in 2012, enabling members of our special needs community to participate in recreational and social activities. Some of the adapted recreation programs include The Centers for Habilitation, Tempe Elementary and Tempe Union High School Districts and the City of Tempe’s Adapted Recreation Programs, including Tempe Special Olympics, Buddy Bowling, Fabulous Friday Night Dances and many more.

The Polar Bear Plunge is the coolest fundraiser you will do all year – literally! For more information and to register, please visit www.LakesPolarPlunge.com or www.facebook.com/GoTeamAsa.