On March 23, more than 300 Californians and Nevadans will plunge into the winter-chilled waters of Lake Tahoe at Zephyr Cove – all in the name of Special Olympics.

Donned in costumes but without the protection of wet suits, Special Olympics athletes and their supporters will jump into Tahoe’s icy waters for the South Lake Tahoe Polar Plunge, a fundraiser for Special Olympics Northern California and Nevada.

It was 22 degrees outside at the 2012 South Shore plunge. Photo/Provided

Plungers include UNR mascot Wolfie Jr., the Reno Bighorns mascot Bruno, Miss Nevada Teen, Carson City Mayor Bob Crowell, South Lake Tahoe Mayor Tom Davis, radio personalities Meghan Burk and Howie Nave, the illusionist from Illusion Fusion Alex Ramon, Nevada Director of Public Safety Chris Perry, Highway Patrol Chief Troy Abney, Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong and others.

To register, go online.

Plungers, which include individuals, companies, law enforcement, families and schools, are asked to raise a minimum of $125 – which provides one season of sports instruction and competition for a Special Olympics athlete at no cost to the athlete. The Polar Plunge raises funds that directly allow a Special Olympics athletes to participate in regional, national and international competitions all the while promoting acceptance, building bonds of friendship and unity and creating lifelong memories.

Check in is at 10am, costume contest at 11:30am, the plunge at noon and the party at MontBleu at 1pm.