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Pittsburgh Polar Plunge Raises Money For Special Olympics

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- It's going to be cold this weekend, but that isn't going to stop hundreds of people from taking a nice cool dip into the river.

They're all expected to join in the annual Pittsburgh Polar Plunge, which raises money for the Special Olympics.

Some call them "winter warriors," braving frigid temperatures and icy water, but the real slogan is "Freezin' for a Reason."

Kristen Lindsey is this year's Athlete Ambassador for the Pittsburgh Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics of Pennsylvania. She can attest to what the plunge does for athletes.

"It means making a lot of friends, winning lots of medals and boosting our self-confidence," said Kristen.

More on the Polar Plunge on PTL:

Acting Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert says Kristen was actually a big motivator to bring the plunge to Pittsburgh years ago.

"When she told her story and how Special Olympics changed her life, impacted her life, it was really warm to our hearts, and that's really why we [said], 'Let's do this. We'll do it at Heinz Field; we'll jump in the river,'" said Acting Chief Schubert.

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Since it started in 2010, they've raised over $2 million for Special Olympics of Pennsylvania.

At this weekend's plunge, they're expecting around 1,000 participants and are hoping to raise close $350,000, which is how much it costs to run the summer games for 2,000 athletes.

You can still register on Saturday morning, but space is not guaranteed.

They also have an option called "Too Chicken to Plunge," which is basically a way for you to simply donate without getting wet.

The Pittsburgh Polar Plunge is at 11 a.m. on the North Shore.

For more information, visit this link.

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