For Immediate Release Media Contact: Pam Jones or Marjorie Beenders
February 11, 2009 Phone: 573-636-8282 « Email: pam@tbmg.net
Polar Bears Go BRRRR for Special Olympics
at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks
Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. –It may be a day at the beach but it’s likely to be a chilly one at the 14th annual Polar Bear Plunge, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009 at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park – Grand Glaize Beach. The Bears will be freezin’ for a reason--Special Olympics Missouri—as they plunge into the frigid, 38-degree waters of the Lake of the Ozarks at 2:30 p.m., following the much-anticipated Polar Bear Plunge Parade at 2:00 p.m. The eighth annual Polar Bear Strut, a 5K run/walk, will take place at 10:00 a.m.
Last year’s event drew a record-breaking 500-plus “plungers” who raised more than $150,000, says Susan Stegeman, Chief Development Officer, Special Olympics Missouri. In its 14-year history, more than 8,500 Missourians have “taken the plunge” and helped to raise more than $1.8 million for Special Olympics Missouri. “Based on our pre-registration numbers already, we expect to be up to 600 at the Plunge alone and our goal is to raise at least $166,000,” Stegeman says.
The much-anticipated Polar Bear Plunge Parade of Costumes will start at 2:00 p.m. Some recent costumes have included the Three Little Pigs and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Hula Girls (and Guys), the Energizer Bunny, Dominos, the Blues Brothers, Blue Man (and Woman) Group, Penguins and Pirates, Elvis and Hillary Clinton. The coveted Golden Plunger Awards will be presented to the top three places in four categories: Team, Individual, School and Law Enforcement.
The Polar Bear Strut will start 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 149 participants, many of whom also took part in the Plunge, Stegeman says.
Super Plungers will return for the second time in 2009. These hardy individuals will plunge every hour for 24 hours to raise the super bucks. “It’s a plunge marathon that will start at 3:30 p.m. Friday, February 27, at the Plunge location,” Stegeman explains. “We have commitments for 10 Super-Plungers who are striving to raise $5000 each.” Stegeman adds the Super-Plungers will stay on two houseboats provided by Forever Resorts during the marathon.
But you don’t have to get wet or sweat to enjoy the events. “Last year we estimate about 5,000 spectators showed up,” Stegeman says. There’s no fee to watch the Polar Bears plunge. Hot snacks, beverages and Polar Bear Plunge merchandise will be available.
People may pre-register in advance online or in person the day of the event. The pre-registration will be Feb. 13 for both the Strut and the Plunge. Participants who meet this deadline and collect $50 will earn a “reserved” sweatshirt they may pick up at registration. Online registration will close at 12 midnight, Feb. 25.
A special registration event will be held at Culver’s on 54 Highway in Osage Beach, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Feb. 13. Participants will be able to drop off their registration forms and funds for both Plunge and Strut, and receive their sweatshirts.
Individuals and teams are encouraged to register online. “The number of online registrants continues to increase,” Stegeman adds. “It’s fast, fun and easy to do. It gives participants a way to contact more people by using email. They set their goal, email their friends who can make secure online donations via a credit card, and then watch their fundraising totals grow.” Online registration allows participants to upload photos, enter offline donations and even link to Facebook or MySpace.
Participants must be 10 years or older to plunge. There is no age limit for the Strut. Kids from 10 to 14 years old need to be accompanied by an adult at the Plunge. All Plunge and Strut participants and their guests will be invited to a private Post Plunge Party at Tan-Tar-A Resort.
Plunge prizes will be awarded based on funds raised online and/or turned in by Feb. 28. Those who raise at least $300 will receive a fleece hat, scarf and gloves set, a 32-oz. Thermos or a beach towel. Those who raise at least $500 will receive a free night’s stay at a Lake-area hotel. Those who raise $650 or more will receive a Lake hotel stay and a free round of golf. And those who raise $1,000 or more will receive a hockey jersey, a Swiss Army computer backpack or a jacket.
Prizes also will be awarded to the top individual fundraiser, fundraising school, fundraising team and largest group. The top individual fundraiser will receive a 3-day off-season houseboat vacation donated by Forever Resorts.
Strut prizes will be awarded to the top male and female finishers, top division finishers, and top law enforcement and Special Olympics athlete. All divisions can be found at www.somo.org/strut.
The Lake-area Plunge is one of 12 that will occur this year throughout Missouri. Proceeds go to support year-round sports training and athletic competition for the 15,000-plus children and adults with mental disabilities who participate in 19 Olympic-style sports events offered year-round by Special Olympics Missouri.
The Polar Bear Plunge is held in conjunction with the Law Enforcement Torch Run®. The event was founded and is hosted by the Osage Beach Department of Public Safety. In fact, the City of Osage Beach recently received the 2008 Award of Excellence in recognition of its years of dedication, financial contribution and partnership with Special Olympics Missouri.
The event also receives support from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri State Parks, Missouri State Water Patrol, Osage Beach Ambulance Service, Osage Beach Public Works, Lake of the Ozarks State Park Marina, the United States Marines, Mid-County Fire District and Lake Ozark Fire District.
“The entire City of Osage Beach really gets behind this event,” says Dave Severson, Osage Beach Chief of Police. “That’s because 100 percent of the funds raised go to year-round sports training and athletic competitions for the athletes of Special Olympics.”
2009 Polar Bear Plunge and Strut sponsors include Forever Resorts, Samco Business Products, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Charter Media, Mid-America Wireless, Cool 102.7, Mix 92.7, KRCG 13, Lamar and Tan-Tar-A resort, which will offer a special lodging rate for participants and spectators who may want to enjoy a weekend at the Lake. For reservations, please call (800) TAN-TAR-A.
Free shuttles will transport participants and spectators between the upper level parking lot and the event site at Lake of the Ozarks State Park.
“The Polar Bear Plunge and Strut are events that offer unique fun for the entire family,” Stegeman says. “We invite everyone to come join us and meet some of the amazing athletes of Special Olympics.”
For registration forms and other information, visit the Special Olympics Missouri web site at www.somo.org/plunge or call (800) 846-2682. And to find out more about lodging, dining, shopping and attractions at the Lake of the Ozarks, call (800) FUN-LAKE or visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau web site at www.funlake.com.
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