'Ready, Set, Freeze' for Special Olymics
at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks

 Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. – Farmer Brown and his ducks, Little Bo Peep and her sheep, plus Elvis and Sponge Bob are among those expected to be “freezin’ for a reason” during the 11th annual Polar Bear Plunge at Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks. The event, benefiting Special Olympics Missouri, will be held Saturday, Feb. 25, at Lake of the Ozarks State Park.

An expected 500-plus participants will challenge the Lake of the Ozarks’ chilly waters in the Polar Bear Plunge or brave the elements on a 5K run/walk in the fifth annual Polar Bear Strut, also on Feb. 25.

In its 11-year history, the Polar Bear Plunge has raised more than $600,000 for Special Olympics Missouri. Last year’s event raised more than $100,000. “We’re aiming for that same goal this year,” says Susan Stegeman, Special Olympics Missouri Plunge Coordinator. Proceeds go to support year-round sports training and athletic competition for the 14,000-plus children and adults with mental disabilities who participate in Special Olympics Missouri.

The Polar Bear Plunge will be held at Public Beach No. 2 in Lake of the Ozarks State Park. Registration will begin at 12:00 noon on Feb. 25. The much-anticipated Polar Bear Parade of Costumes will start at 2:00 p.m. and the Plunge itself will begin promptly at 2:30 p.m.

That morning, the Polar Bear Strut will start at 10:00 a.m. at the Osage Beach City Hall, just off Highway 54. The hilly, winding course brings participants back to the starting point in an hour or less. Last year’s Strut attracted nearly 100 participants, many of whom also took part in the Plunge.

You don’t have to get wet or sweat to have a good time, Stegeman notes. “The crowds grow every year if the weather cooperates,” she says. “Last year more than 4,000 spectators showed up.”

To warm up after a dip in 38-degree water on a mid-40s day (average February temperatures), all participants will receive an official Polar Bear Plunge sweatshirt and an invitation to a free Post Plunge Party at Tan-Tar-A Resort, Golf Club, Marina & Indoor Waterpark.

Plungers who raise at least $400 will receive a free night’s stay at a Lake-area hotel. Those who raise $650 or more will receive a free night’s lodging plus a free round of golf. The top prize for raising the most money will be a four-day cruise for two to the Bahamas aboard the Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Prizes also will be awarded for recruiting the most “bears” to take the Plunge. The coveted Golden Plunger Award will be given for the most creative costume or entry into the water.

Supporting partners include KRCG-TV, KQUL and MIX 92.7 radio, Tan-Tar-A Resort, Missouri Police Chiefs Association and Surdyke Yamaha. Tan-Tar-A will offer special lodging rates for participants and spectators who may want to enjoy a weekend at the Lake. The event is hosted by the Osage Beach Department of Public Safety.
This year free shuttles will be provided to transport participants and spectators between the upper level parking lot and the event site at Lake of the Ozarks State Park.

Participants may pre-register in advance online or in person the day of the event. Individuals also may participate in the new online fundraising program to create their own web page and e-mail their friends and family to make a donation in support of their plunge or strut. The pre-registration deadline is Feb. 6 for both events. “Everyone who registers and turns in $50 by Feb. 6 will receive five entries in a drawing to win a Yamaha 2006 VX-110 Waverunner that was donated by Surdyke Yamaha,” Stegeman says. “Entry tickets for the drawing also can be purchased for $10 each at the Osage Beach DPS.” The drawing will be held at the Plunge, but you don’t need to be present to win.

For registration forms and other information, visit the Special Olympics Missouri web site at www.somo.org, or call 800-846-2682. Participants must be 14 years or older to plunge and the “bear” minimum donation is $50. Registrations on the day of the event will be accepted and are encouraged.

“The Polar Bear Plunge has become our cornerstone event, our single largest fundraiser,” Stegeman says. “These funds are important because of what they mean to our Special Olympics athletes. But equally significant, through this event we have attracted partners and friends who have become volunteers and coaches who support Special Olympics way beyond the Polar Bear Plunge.”

Plungers, strutters, spectators and others will find a wide array of activities at Central Missouri’s scenic Lake of the Ozarks. For more information on lodging, dining, shopping, attractions and events, call 800-FUN-LAKE or visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau web site at www.funlake.com.

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