At about 12:30 p.m. on March 12, Westporters at Compo Beach can expect to see several “penguins” migrating through Westport.

This weekend, hundreds of volunteers will plunge into the frigid waters of the Long Island Sound for the Penguin Plunge event. Along with Westport, 10 towns in Connecticut including Danbury, Farmington, Middlebury and Ellington also hold Penguin Plunge events.

All profits from the event will go directly to the Special Olympics of Connecticut (SOCT). SOCT provides sports training and athletics to children and adults with learning disabilities who want to compete in Olympic-type sports. Funding for the program is much needed, and the Penguin Plunge provides a substantial amount of money to support the foundation.

At the event, groups await their turn to plunge into the frigid ocean. One group goes at a time, running into the water dressed in costumes, swimsuits or team jerseys. Individuals without a group can sign up as well.

Some groups from Westport that participate include the Staples girls lacrosse team, as well as the fire and police departments. Staples English Teacher Michael Fulton also participates, and assists in organizing the event as well.

Fulton has been a teacher at Staples for 11 years and for seven of those years he has participated in the Penguin Plunge. “The Westport program is extremely well run,” Fulton said. He continues to support and organize this event because out of his love for the Special Olympics.

In previous years, the girls lacrosse team has sold paper penguins at lunch to help raise money for the plunge. “The whole team is encouraged to participate because it’s for a really good cause,” captain Elizabeth Driscoll said.

Those who are brave enough to jump into the freezing water, and help the disabled participate in sports they enjoy; the Penguin Plunge is certainly a just cause.