Special Olympian Prepares to Take the Polar Plunge

Dublin resident Jason Paasch is gearing up to take a huge plunge into the chilly waters of the San Francisco Bay. It's the second year in a row Paash will brave the cold water to raise money for the Special Olympics.

Paash, a Special Olympian himself, is a regular at karaoke locations throughout the Tri-Valley. The 32-year-old sings karaoke so often that his friends call him the "King of Karaoke," or simply, "King."

Later this month, he'll put down the karaoke mic and head to San Francisco for the 2012 Polar Plunge. 

Participants can choose how far they want to go into the water and some don't get wet at all, earning the label "chicken." Not Paash, who knows just how cold the water can be after plunging in it last year.

"I said I'm not going to be a chicken, so I went in," he said.

Last year he raised about $240, but this year the "King" hopes the Dublin community will help him raise $1,000. The money is important, he said, because sports Special Olympians have enjoyed have been cut throughout the country for financial reasons.

Paash has earned more than 100 medals, including gold medals. He said he enjoys playing tennis, basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, softball, cross country skiing and other sports. He said some of those sports are no longer available to Special Olympians due to lack of finances. 

"They've already cancelled the winter (Special) Olympics," Paasch said.

John DeKoven of and a friend of Paash's for the past six years has stepped up to help with fundraising efforts. DeKoven said he thinks what Paash is doing is great. To help his friend, DeKoven put together a . The $10 show features magician and comedian Timothy James and proceeds will go toward Paash's fundraising efforts. 

"It's ten bucks for a great evening of entertainment," said DeKoven.

If you'd like to help Paash reach his fundraising goal but can't make it to Sunday's show, you can donate by clicking here.