If You Can Bear the Cold, You Can
Take a Plunge for Special Olympics
at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks

 Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. –Think you can bear the cold?  Then you’re a prime candidate to take the Polar Bear Plunge into the frigid, 38-degree waters of the Lake of the Ozarks to support Special Olympics Missouri.

An estimated 500-plus participants will challenge the Lake of the Ozarks’ freezing waters in the 13^th annual Polar Bear Plunge, or brave the elements on a 5K run/walk in the seventh annual Polar Beat Strut, both to be held on Saturday, Feb. 23, at Lake of the Ozarks State Park. At last year’s event, 441 “plungers” raised a record $125,000 and online fundraising results grew by 300 percent, says Susan Stegeman, Chief Development Officer, Special Olympics Missouri.  In its 13-year history, more than 6,200 individuals have “taken the plunge” and helped to raise more than $1,304,600 for Special Olympics Missouri.  “We hope to raise at least $130,000 this year and contribute to the statewide goal of $513,850,” Stegeman says.

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 14,500-plus children and adults with mental disabilities who participate in 19 Olympic-style sports events hosted by Special Olympics Missouri.

The Polar Bear Plunge will be held at Grand Glaize Beach in Lake of the Ozarks State Park.  Registration will begin at noon on Feb. 23.  The much-anticipated Polar Bear Parade of Costumes will start at 2:00 p.m.  Some of the more popular costumes have included the penguins of “Happy Feet,” the Flintstones, a poker hand, Darth Vader, brides and grooms, the Gilligan’s Island Crew, Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz, Sponge Bob, Elvis and Hillary Clinton.  The Golden Plunger Award recognizes the three best costumes in the team, individual and law enforcement divisions.  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 137 participants, many of whom also took part in the Plunge, Stegeman says.

New for 2008 will be the Super-Plunge.  “It’s a plunge marathon that will start Friday, February 22, at 2:30 p.m. at the boat launch area at the Plunge location,” Stegeman explains.  “We hope to have a dozen or more Super-Plungers who will plunge every hour on the half-hour for 24 hours.  Each will be committed to raising $5000.  So far we have 10 participants, including two who have taken part in all 13 previous plunges.”  Stegeman adds the Super-Plungers will stay warm in between plunges on a Forever Resorts houseboat during the marathon, where they’ll have access to a hot tub.  “I think the Super-Plunge will kick off the 2008 Polar Bear Plunge in a big way,” she says.  The Super Plunge location will serve as early Plunger check-in from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday for anyone who has pre-registered for the Polar Bear Plunge.  Also new this year, she adds, the Polar Bear Plunge mascot has a name: Shiver.

         
But you don’t have to get wet or sweat to enjoy the events.  “Last year we estimate about 5,000 spectators came to watch the show,” Stegeman 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, Golf Club & Spa. Prizes will be awarded based on funds raised online and/or turned in by Feb. 23.  Those who raise at least $300 will receive a Polar Bear Plunge or Strut beach towel.  Those who raise at least $500 also will receive a free night’s stay at a Lake-area hotel. Those who raise $650 or more also will receive a free round of golf.  And those who raise $1,000 or more will receive all of the above plus a Polar Bear Plunge or Strut Polar Fleece Vest.  Prizes also will be awarded to the top fundraiser, top fundraiser age 18 or younger, top fundraising team and largest team.Strut prizes will be awarded to the top male and female finishers, top division finishers, and top law enforcement and Special Olympics athletes.

         
The Polar Bear Plunge is presented by Mid-America Wireless, Mix 92.7, KQUL, KRCG, Lamar Outdoor, Charter Media and Tan-Tar-A Resort.  The event is hosted by the Osage Beach Department of Public Safety as a Law Enforcement Torch Run^® Project.

Tan-Tar-A will offer a special lodging rate of $69 a night for participants and spectators who may want to enjoy a weekend at the Lake. 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.  The pre-registration deadline is Feb. 13 for both the Strut and the Plunge; however, online registration will continue through Feb. 20 and fundraising will continue for 30 days after the event.  “Online fundraising is the most efficient way to raise money,” Stegeman says.  “In addition, registering online will help you get through check-in faster the day of the event.” Teams are encouraged to register online.  “The number of teams continues to increase,” Stegeman adds.  “We encourage every team to set a fundraising goal, assign a captain and watch your fundraising grow.  Team captains can check in for their whole team at the Plunge if everyone registers online.”For registration forms and other information, visit the Special Olympics Missouri web site at www.somo.org.  Participants must be 14 years or older to plunge and the “bear” minimum donation is $50.  There is no age restriction on the Strut.

The Plunge will go on despite the weather, Stegeman notes.  “We’ve had everything from 60 degrees the first year to floating ice on the water,” she says.  “Last year was cold and wet at 2:00 p.m. for registration, but then the rain stopped and the sun came out in time for everyone to plunge.” “The Polar Bear Plunge and Strut are events that offer unique fun for the entire family,” Stegeman says.  “We invite everyone to enjoy the fun, food and games and 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 (386-5253) or visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau web site at www.funlake.com.