Special Olympics Is the Reason for Freezin'
at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks

 Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. – Why do hundreds of people agree to jump into the Lake of the Ozarks when the water temperature is 38 degrees or colder? They do their freezin’ for a reason – taking part in the Polar Bear Plunge to support Special Olympics Missouri.
   
An expected 500-plus participants will challenge the Lake of the Ozarks’ frigid waters on Saturday, Feb. 24, in the 12th annual Polar Bear Plunge.  Or, they’ll brave the elements on a 5K run/walk in the sixth annual Polar Bear Strut, earlier that same day.
   
Last year’s event at the Lake raised close to $100,000.  In its 12-year history, more than 4,630 individuals have “taken the plunge” and helped to raise more than $938,000 for Special Olympics Missouri.  “This year we will cross the million-dollar mark in fundraising for the Polar Bear Plunge and that’s a significant accomplishment,” says Shauna Balk, Special Olympics Missouri Plunge Coordinator.  “More and more people take part each year.  We had 459 plungers last year and we’re hoping for even more this year.”
   
The Lake-area Plunge is one of eight that will occur this year throughout Missouri.  Proceeds go to support year-round sports training and athletic competition for the 14,500-plus children and adults with mental disabilities who participate in 19 Olympic-style sports events sponsored by 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 noon on Feb. 24.  The much-anticipated Polar Bear Parade of Costumes will start at 2:00 p.m. Some of the more popular costumes have included Shrek, Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz, Little Bo Peep and her sheep, Elvis, SpongeBob, some of the 101 Dalmatians, and the Gilligan’s Island Crew, which won the coveted Golden Plunger Award for most creative costume last year.  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 3.1-mile course brings participants back to the starting point in an hour or less.  Last year’s Strut attracted a record 139 participants, many of whom also took part in the Plunge, Balk says.
   
But you don’t have to get wet or sweat to enjoy the events.  “Last year we estimate about 5,000 spectators showed up,” Balk says.
   
All Plunge and Strut participants will receive an official Polar Bear Plunge sweatshirt and an invitation to a free Post Plunge Party at Tan-Tar-A Resort.
   
Plungers who raise at least $250 will receive a Polar Bear Plunge beach towel.  Those who raise at least $450 will receive a free night’s stay at a Lake-area hotel, and those who raise $650 or more will receive a free night’s lodging plus a free round of golf.  One hard-working winner will receive the top prize for raising the most money.  Prizes also will be awarded for recruiting the most “bears” to take the Plunge.  Plungers 18 years and younger also will receive special prizes.  
   
Strut prizes will be awarded to the top male and female finishers, top division finishers, and top law enforcement and Special Olympics athletes.
   
Supporting partners include Mid-America Wireless, KRCG-TV, KQUL and MIX 92.7 radio, Tan-Tar-A Resort, Lamar Advertising, Missouri Police Chiefs Association, City of Osage Beach, 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 coordinated with the Osage Beach Department of Public Safety.
   
Free shuttles will 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.  The pre-registration deadline is Feb. 2 for both the Strut and the Plunge.  “When you register you can create your own personal fundraising page and send emails to friends and family.  They can simply use the provided link to make their donations,” Balk says.  ”It’s fun to watch your fundraising thermometer rise as you get closer to your goal.”
   
Everyone who registers early will receive five entries in a drawing to win a Yamaha WaveRunner donated by Surdyke Yamaha.  Entry tickets for the drawing also can be purchased for $10 each.  The drawing will be held at the Plunge event.
   
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 for participants to raise in donations is $50.
   
“The Polar Bear Plunge and Strut are events that offer something for the entire family,” Balk says.  “Not only will you have a unique experience including fun, food and games, but you will get to meet some of the amazing athletes of Special Olympics.”
   
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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