Penguin Plunge for Special Olympics is Saturday

DEVIN WEEKS/Press file Zane Pomerantz, right, of Coeur d’Alene, springs from Lake Coeur d’Alene with twin brothers Frey, center, and Ashton, left, as mom Kirsten reacts to the chilly waters during the 2017 Penguin Plunge. The 13th annual Penguin Plunge is taking place at noon Saturday on Coeur d’Alene City Beach, with registration and entertainment beginning at 11 a.m. Proceeds from the event will support Special Olympics Idaho.

by Devin Weeks Staff Writer
| March 23, 2018 1:00 AM

COEUR d’ALENE — Snow flurries and 40 degrees?

It's the perfect weather for a dip in the lake — especially if you're a penguin.

The 13th annual Freezin' for a Reason Penguin Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Idaho will take place Saturday on the Coeur d'Alene City Beach.

Registration and entertainment begin at 11 a.m., with the big dunk happening at noon.

"We just want people to get involved and know we have a team in North Idaho and rally community support," said Plunge organizer Annie Rimpler. "We want to make it a big year."

While 75 percent of proceeds from this year's event will support the local Coeur d'Alene Eagles Special Olympics team, which comprises athletes from Coeur d'Alene, Hayden, Post Falls and surrounding areas, Rimpler said the big focus will be on Special Olympics Idaho to show support for other Gem State teams.

"We really want to bring awareness. We do have other teams in our area," she said. "We want to be more inclusive."

Rimpler joined the Special Olympics management team last August and is a unified player on the bocce ball team with her sister. She said being a part of Special Olympics is "life-changing."

"I want other people in our community to get out of this what I get out of it," she said. "The kindest, most joyous people are athletes on our team who will tell you about their medals and what they’ve accomplished. Everyone on our team is so kind and non-judgmental."

Funds from plunge pledges will help Special Olympics athletes participate in state events in Boise and pay for uniforms, travel expenses, venues and other costs.

Prizes will be awarded to those who raise the most money for the plunge.

"For me, this is important because my sister has special needs and so does my aunt," Rimpler said. "Special Olympics has a spot for everyone."

Want to participate but don't want to plunge? Register as a "Chicken Plunger" and skip the dip while still being eligible for prizes.