'Bears' Celebrate Dippin' for a Decade
at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, MO -- For the 10th consecutive year, people dressed as Elvis, hula girls, pro wrestlers and sundry other characters will be "freezin' for a reason" as they take the plunge to raise funds for Special Olympics Missouri on Saturday, Feb. 26. More than 500 participants are expected to challenge the Lake of the Ozarks' chilly waters in the Polar Bear Plunge or brave the elements on a 5K run/walk in the fourth annual Polar Bear Strut.

"We've been dippin' for a decade," says Police Chief Jim McCart of Osage Beach. The city's Department of Public Safety started the Polar Bear Plunge in 1996. "Our motto is 'To Serve and Protect' and in this instance service comes first," he says. "We reach out and lend a hand to those who need it and we're glad to do it."

In its 10-year history, the Polar Bear Plunge has raised more than $500,000 for Special Olympics Missouri. At last year's event more than 500 "bears" raised nearly $93,000. "We may be a small community but we have a big heart,"
McCart notes.

For 2005, the ambitious goal is to raise $100,000 -- or more. "With the economy being what it is, and considering the disasters that have hit this country and overseas, $100,000 is attainable but we'll have to work hard for it," McCart adds. Proceeds go to support year-round sports training and athletic competition for the 13,900-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 noon on Feb. 26. 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.

You don't have to get wet or sweat to have a good time, notes Susan Stegeman, plunge coordinator for Special Olympics Missouri. "The crowds grow every year if there's no freezing rain or snow during the event," she says. "Last
year more than 3,000 spectators showed up."

Stegeman notes one rule has changed for 2005. "You don't have to put your head under the water unless you really want to," she says. "Most of the hard-core plungers who have participated every year are pretty outraged! But we
really appreciate how participants, spectators and sponsors get into the spirit of the event and help support Special Olympics."

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. Those 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. Prizes also will be awarded for raising the most money and recruiting the most "bears" to take the Plunge. The coveted Golden Plunger Award will be given for the most creative entry or costume, and "plungers" 17 years and younger also will receive special prizes.

Sponsors of the 2005 events include KRCG-TV, KQUL and MIX 92.7 radio, Tan-Tar-A Resort, Custom Screen Printing, Missouri Police Chiefs Association and Southwest Airlines. Tan-Tar-A will provide special lodging rates for
participants and spectators who may want to enjoy a weekend at the Lake.

Participants may register in advance online, or in person the day of the event. The pre-registration deadline is Feb. 8 for the Strut and for the Plunge. For registration forms and other information, visit the Special Olympics Missouri web site at www.somo.org, or call 1-800-846-2682. You must be 14 years or older to participate and the "bear" minimum donation is $50.

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 1-800-FUN-LAKE or visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau web site at www.funlake.com.

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