HAMPTON - Special Olympics New Hampshire will welcome more than 1,200 brave swimmers Feb. 2-3 for the annual Penguin Plunge at Hampton Beach.

The event is the most popular and profitable of Special Olympics New Hampshire's annual fundraisers.

People of all ages dressed in costumes will plunge into the Atlantic Ocean at Hampton Beach to benefit athletes with intellectual disabilities.

The weekend begins with the high school plunge on Saturday followed by the official costume parade and Penguin Plunge on Sunday morning.

Activities will be centered near the new state pavilion, across from the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom where the annual after party will once again be held with music, drinks, food and prizes for participants.

This year's theme for the high school plunge is "Greek Olympics," and for the main event the theme will be "Goin' to the Chapel."

Each high school plunger must raise $175 to compete, and each Penguin Plunger must raise $350 to participate.

All proceeds directly benefit athletes in local programs around the state who practice and compete in 14 sports year-round.

In 2012, the Penguin Plunge weekend raised more than $500,000 for Special Olympics New Hampshire.

Any high school student can plunge on Saturday, and anyone over the age of 15 can plunge on Sunday. Registration is open through Jan. 27 online and then in person at several area locations in the week before the event.

For more information, go to sonh.org.

gmacalaster@newstote.com