There is no training required for the SUPER Polar Plunge marathon event, Brad Fish of Grayslake said with confidence.

"We'll just go in cold turkey," he joked.

Cold is the operative word here, as Fish and two co-workers will participate in the first SUPER Polar Plunge event. They will plunge themselves repeatedly into the frigid waters of Lake Michigan, once an hour for 24 hours.

The SUPER Plunge begins at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, through 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18.

Fish, and two co-workers, Ed Trabulsy of Grayslake and Doug Rippberger of Libertyville, are team BWM Global, named after their promotional merchandising company.

Asked if he wasn't just a little crazy, Fish didn't hesitate.

"Yes, probably," he said. "But I've always had a special place in my heart for Special Olympics."

Proceeds from the SUPER Plunge benefit Special Olympics Illinois. The organization provides sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Athletes develop fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy throughout their games, organizers said.

Team BWM Global has already raised over $16,000 in one month. People can still donate to them at a fund-raising Web site, www.firstgiving.com/BWM Global.

"It's really going to be cold," Fish said. "It's kind of getting comical with the cold weather coming in."

Organizers expect that the air temperature Friday will be in the teens to 20s, and the water temperature will be about 34 degrees. Medical support staff will be on hand.

"I think the hours of 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. will really be difficult," Fish admitted. But he is not backing down.

Fish plans to proudly wear his red spandex Mr. Incredible outfit with the scuba booties and just jump in anyway.

Michele Henson, spokesperson for Special Olympics Illinois, said that others are doing the same thing.

"We have 23 participants from throughout Illinois," she said. Many police officers, village officials and business owners are joining in for the first ever SUPER Polar Plunge.

Participants individually agreed to raised $2,500 each.

"Our overall goal for the event is to raise $50,000," Henson said, "and we've already raised $45,000."

The SUPER Polar Plunge is kicking off other regular plunges for the organization.

"This year, with the SUPER Polar Plunge, we wanted to raise the bar and raise awareness for the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois. They work hard all year round," Henson said.

Spectators are welcomed to watch the event at Northwestern University's North Beach, off of Lincoln just north of the Sports Pavilion, in Evanston. Visit www.soill.org for more information or to sponsor a SUPER Plunger.