MEMPHIS, Tenn., February 2, 2015 – Brave souls and chili bowls will team up on Mud Island on Saturday, February 7 to help raise funds for Special Olympics Greater Memphis through rain, sleet, or snow.

Over 200 brave souls who all will have raised a minimum of $50 for Special Olympics (and many wearing costumes) will take the plunge into the freezing mighty Mississippi River in the 16^th Annual Polar Bear Plunge. The more money participants raise, the more incentives they receive. Brodee Scott from 101.9 KISS FM will be the official emcee of the event and will also be taking the plunge himself.

Participants must check-in before 2:30 p.m. to participate in the Polar Bear Plunge at 3 p.m. Interested parties may visit the special Olympics web site at this link: http://specialolympicsmem.org/PolarBear2015_plunge.htm. The participant with the wackiest costume will win the coveted golden plunger award.

The 9^th annual Chili Cook-off to benefit Special Olympics will be taking place on the same day as the Plunge. Sixty Chili Cook-Off Teams will be competing in the categories of red chili, salsa, and people’s choice with additional prizes awarded for showmanship. Anyone may donate $5 to the Special Olympics to be a judge of the People’s Choice contest taking place from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. More information on the 9^th annual Chili Cook-Off can be found on the Special Olympics of Greater Memphis web site at this link: http://specialolympicsmem.org/PolarBear2015_chili.htm.

The official event timeline:

10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. People’s Choice Tasting

11 a.m. Chili Teams Showmanship Judging

11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Polar Bear Plunge Registration

11:30 a.m. Salsa Turn In

1:30 p.m. Chili Turn In

2 p.m. Donut Eating Contest

2:30 p.m. Polar Bear Plunge Costume Contest Judging

3 p.m. Polar Bear Plunge

Awards after the plunge