BEND, OR -- Teams of adventurous people can plunge into icy water for charity, next weekend. Bend Police Officer Kecia Weaver organizes the annual Bend Polar Plunge and says similar events are held across the state, to benefit Oregon Special Olympics, "There's five total; but Bend is the original and the best."

Officer Tommy Charles says takes the plunge with his rugby team. Last year, they raised more than $1,200 for Special Olympics. Charles says he doesn't feel brave; he's glad to give back, "I gotta tell you, these kids - Being rugby players ourselves, we kind of pride ourselves on our toughness and everything. We jump at the chance to dive in some cold water. But, looking at these kids and these athletes that participate, they're way tougher than any of us. They're pretty incredible people, so we're very privileged to do it for them."

Officer Weaver says there's still time to get involved in the February ninth event, "We still have lots of room for more teams, and more plungers. It's always such a fun event. We just need it to get colder here in Bend! We just want more of our community members to come out and join in, and those that haven't done it before, come take the plunge." Register at the Oregon Polar Plunge website. "The morning of the plunge, show up around 10 a.m. at Riverbend Park," says Weaver, "Get with your groups, and then take the plunge; get some cool photos, and warm up, and have a great rest of the weekend."