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Ready For The Polar Plunge?

DETROIT (CW50) Nothing says winter in Michigan like icicles on the roof, wrapping your hands around a steaming  mug of hot chocolate, stripping down and diving deep into a frigid lake.

Wait a minute, not everyone does the last thing. And if you're one of the adventurous Detroit area residents who are willing to plunge into the icy water, here's your chance to do it for a good cause.

The 2013 Polar Plunge to raise money for Special Olympics Michigan happens Saturday, Feb. 16, at Milliken State Park on the Detroit waterfront.

With a crazy costume, a minimum donation of $75 and the courage to take part in one of 28 LETR 2013 Polar Plunges, you can help provide more athletes with inclusive opportunities.

Plunge registration is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. at the Renaissance Center. Nemo's Bar and Grille will provide round trip shuttle service for plungers and spectators beginning at 10 a.m. between the Renaissance Center and the Polar Plunge site at Milliken State Park. The parade of costumes and Polar Plunge will start at 11 a.m. The post-plunge party and awards ceremony are scheduled to begin at 12 p.m., immediately following the plunge at the Marriott Detroit at the Renaissance Center. There is a $20 fee for non-plungers to attend the post plunge party, which includes a meal.

This Polar Plunge is one of 28 Polar Plunges planned throughout Michigan from January through March 2013 in Alpena, Belleville, Brighton, Caro, Cheboygan, Chippewa Lake, Detroit, Edwardsburg, Fenton, Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Holland, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lake City, Lansing, Lansing Legislative, Marquette, Monroe, Mt. Pleasant, Muskegon, Saginaw/Bay City, St. Clair, Sault Ste. Marie, Stanton, Sylvan Lake, Traverse City and University of Michigan.

Brave individuals that are interested in taking the plunge can pre-register online at http://www.firstgiving.com/polarplunge/detroit2013. You can also make a $10 donation anytime by texting SOMI det to 52000 to support Special Olympics Michigan athletes.

The annual Polar Plunge is known for its wacky costume contest where plungers compete for the Golden Plunger Award for best costume. All plungers will receive an official 2013 Polar Plunge T-shirt. Plungers will also receive incentives for higher levels of fundraising and entry into the post Polar Plunge party. Those who do not want to plunge can also collect donations to receive a T-shirt with the "Too Chicken to Plunge" logo and are invited to attend the post-plunge party.

For more information, visit www.somi.org or call 800-644-6404.

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