Welcome to the Central Area Page!

Congratulations to Betty Beal from Camdenton, MO who was the Central Area Early Bird winner for the Wheels of Winners Raffle.  Betty purchased her ticket at Reagan Honda in Jefferson City, MO.  Betty won a week stay at a Branson Condo and 2 tickets to Silver Dollar City.

The Wheels for Winners Raffle is an annual raffle that gives away a vehicle.  This year's car is a 2011 Ford Mustand Convertible.  Tickets are still available at $5.  A number of Missouri Auto Dealers are selling tickets, as well as Law Enforcement Agencies and the Special Olympics offices.

Betty's ticket will go back into the pool to be eligible to be the Central Area finalist at the give away on November 13 at MU vs Kansas State football game.  To learn more or to find a dealer who is selling tickets, visit our home page.

Athletes and coaches from the Central Area include:
LeAnna Krogmann, 25. She will compete in aquatics. She is from Columbia.
Anna McDaniel, 18. She will compete in athletics. She is from Columbia.
Frank LaMantia, 60. He will compete as a Unified Partner in bocce. He is from Columbia.
Bob Stephens, 67. He will be competing as a Unified Partner bocce. He is from Columbia.
Jan Stephens, 59. She will be coaching bocce. She is from Columbia.
Larry Stephens, 30. He will compete in bocce. He is from Columbia.
Sarah Byland, 32. She will compete in bowling. She is from Columbia.
Stephanie Daly, 26. She will compete in bowling. She is from Columbia.
Jodie Holbert, 36. She will compete in bowling. She is from Columbia.
Kendall Scheidt, 23. He will compete in bowling. He is from Columbia.
Peggy Lewellyn, 53. She will compete as a Unified Partner in golf. She is from Columbia.
Keith Lueckenhoff, 35. He will compete in golf. He is from Jefferson City.
Debbie Morris, 56. She will coaching golf. She is from Columbia.
Ken Neff, 51. He will compete as a Unified Partner in golf. He is from Columbia.
Shirlene Tredwell, 40. She will compete in golf. She is from Columbia.
Gary Wilbers, 41. He will compete as a Unified Partner in golf. He is from Jefferson City.
Genice Fisher, 50. She will be going as Support Staff for softball. She is from Columbia.
Mike Elwood, 26. He will compete as a Unified Partner in tennis. He is from Columbia.
Tina Jones, 28. She will compete in tennis. She is from Rhineland.
Curt Yaeger, 44. He will be coaching volleyball. He is from Jefferson City.

Team Missouri will travel to Lincoln to make some MO Magic, along with 51 other delegations from the United States. More than 3,000 athletes are expected to compete at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the surrounding communities. More than 1,000 coaches are expected and an estimated 8,000 volunteers will be needed.

For Special Olympics athletes, participation in a national event like this means greater self-confidence, a more positive self-image, an enormous amount of pride and the opportunity to create lifelong memories. Standing on the awards stand to receive a medal alongside athletes from all across the nation is truly a moment that they have only dreamed of.

The cost to send Team Missouri to Special Olympics National Games is approximately $165,000. This will cover training, transportation, uniforms, meals, equipment, housing and other costs associated with competition. We are seeking businesses, organizations and individuals who want to “Feel the MO Magic” and support this group of world-class athletes and coaches. Each delegate is trying to raise at least $1,000. Support an athlete from your hometown by visiting www.somo.org/teammissouri, where you can make a donation online through Special Olympics Missouri’s secure system. For more information about fundraising, contact Laurie Shadoan, Shadoan@somo.org or 800.846.2682.

Special Olympics Missouri is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with mental disabilities. More than 15,000 athletes participate in 21 Olympic-type sports throughout the state. Special Olympics provides people with mental disabilities continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with their fellow athletes, their family and friends, and communities across Missouri.

Due to a high percentage of threat for severe weather, it has been decided to cancel the Central Area Bocce Tournament.  Athletes will be allowed to advanced to state with the approval of their area director and based on slot allottment. 

At this time, the tournament will NOT be rescheduled due to unavailable weekends.

Online fundraising will remain open until April 30.  Donations to support your favorite polar bear can be made at www.somo.org/lozplunge or www.somo.org/strut. 

Super Plungers: Todd Davis, Trish Lutz, Mike O’Day, Aaron Schafer, Amy Phillips, Chris Wagner, Randy Werner, and Curt Yaeger.

Plunge Participants who’ve plunge in all 15 year Polar Plunges received special recognition: Norma Browne, Ed Flaspohler, Randy Werner and Curt Yaeger.

9^th Annual 5K Polar Bear Strut results:
Top finisher- Levi McDonald   20:02.07
Top female- Victoria Robinson    23:17.09
Top law enforcement- Pete Leyva    23:28.12
Top walker - Anita Leyva   38:33.20
Top fundraiser - Debbie Flanery   $610
Top SOMO athlete -Joel Moss 47:46.71

Special thanks goes out to Gary Thompson, from Camdenton Schools, who handled the data and time entry for the Strut. His assistance makes for efficient results and awards.

Top Plunge individual fundraisers are:
1^st Place Fundraiser – Gary Wilbers, Mid America Wireless - $7,898. Gary wins a 3-day houseboat vacation donated by Forever Resorts and Lake of the Ozarks Marina.
2^nd Place Fundraiser – Greg Crader, Platte Co. Sheriff’s Dept. - $2,535. Greg wins a set of tires donated by Purcell Tire. 
3^rd Place Fundraiser – Thom Taylor - $2,050. Thom wins an overnight hotel stay at Isle of Capri Casinos Boonville. 

Top Fundraising School:
“Freezin’ Falcon Fools” team from Blair Oaks School in Wardsville earned the title of 2010 “Cool School” with a total of $3,861. They are the first school name to be engraved on the traveling trophy for the top fundraising school. They also received a free shuttle ride to the plunge and will enjoy a pizza party for the school.

Top Fundraising Team:
“Gary and the Techno Plungers” team from Mid America Wireless with $22,000 and counting! In addition to braggin’ rights, they earn a tent at next year’s Plunge for their group’s pre-plunge party as well as a plaque.

Top Law Enforcement Team:
Jefferson City Police Department with a total of $7,509. 

Largest Group:
Mid America Wireless with 44 people

Competition for the Golden Plunger was steep again this year. Polar Bears are encouraged to come in costume and compete for the chance to take home the “golden plunger.” Judges were Matt Grant with KRCG, Shawn Hill, Quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, Darla Cook with Forever Resorts, Sheriff Dwight Franklin from Camden County Sheriff, Mark Musso, President of Special Olympics Missouri, Dan Field from LO Profile, and Jeff Karr, Mix 92.7 and co-host of the Big Show. They chose winners in these 4 divisions.

Schools:
1^st - Zombies from Waynesville
2^nd – School of the Osage
3^rd – Vienna Eagles 

Law Enforcement:
1^st  - Hobos from Osage Beach PD
2^nd – Herculaneum PD 

Individuals:
1^st - Fred Flintstone (Jeff Koeningsfeld)
2^nd – Ninja Turtle (Larry Stephens, a Special Olympics athlete from Columbia)
3^rd – Bowling Pin (Tim Gregory)

Team:
1^st – Dukes of Hazard from Woody’s
2^nd – Spartans from Jefferson City
3^rd – The 3 Amigos (Robby Tabbenkamp, Craig Horman, & Bryan Graham)

The Lake of the Ozarks Plunge began in 1996 and now Polar Plunges are held in 13 locations as the signature special event for Special Olympics Missouri. Each Polar Plunge is coordinated with local law enforcement agencies because law enforcement’s charity of choice is Special Olympics world-wide. The Super Plunge was added 3 years ago to provide an extra challenge for our extreme Polar Bears. It is supported by Forever Resorts who donates the two houseboats for the Super Plungers and support team.

“What a great way to celebrate our 15 years of freezin’ fun and let the athletes of SOMO know how much we respect and support them in achieving their goals. I want to specifically thank the Osage Beach Police Department for all of their support to produce the annual Plunge festivities,” said Susan Stegeman, Plunge Coordinator.

The Polar Plunge is hosted by Osage Beach Department of Public Safety and the City of Osage Beach. The Plunge is supported by the Department of Natural Resources Missouri State Parks, Lake of the Ozarks State Park – Grand Glaize Beach, the Missouri State Water Patrol, the Osage Beach City Ambulance Service, the Mid County Fire District and Lake Ozark Fire District who provided the divers.  The U.S. Marines Motor Transport Instruction Company from Fort Leonard Wood made all the difference with their labor, parking and security assistance.   The Osage Beach Explorer’s Post assisted with the Plunge and the Strut.  Thanks to Rick Bryant with Bryant Auction Services for serving as the auctioneer at the Post Party.

According to Chief Dave Severson with Osage Beach PD, “This is a labor of love for all of us and the Committee and the Lake Area Community really steps up to support such a worthy project as Special Olympics. We have a tradition here at the Lake and want to continue to build upon it.”

Presenting sponsors include: Cool 102.7, Department of Natural Resources, Forever Resorts, KRCG, Lamar, Mid America Wireless, Mix 92.7, and Tan-Tar-A Resort. Prize sponsors include: Camden on the Lake, Inn at Grand Glaize, Forever Resorts, Lake of the Ozarks Golf Council, Resort at Port Arrowhead, Tan-Tar-A Resort as well as various other lake-area hotels.   Super Plunge sponsors include: Culver’s, Farmer’s Insurance, Forever Resorts, Hy-Vee, Jina’s Cleaning Service, Lake of the Ozarks State Park Marina, Michael’s Restaurant, On Time Services and Mechanical Heating and Cooling, Papa John’s, Pasta House, and Starbucks.

For more information about the Polar Plunge, visit www.somo.org/lozplunge or call 800.846.2682.

Special Olympics Missouri is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with mental disabilities. More than 15,000 athletes participate in 21 Olympic-type sports throughout the state. Special Olympics provides people with mental disabilities continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with their fellow athletes, their family and friends, and communities across Missouri.

Online fundraising is still ongoing. Donations can be made at www.somo.org/columbiaplunge.

Top individual fundraisers included the following:
1^st Place Fundraiser – David Atkins - $2,810 (Prize Winner)
2^nd Place Fundraiser – Christina Stixrud - $1,811
3^rd Place Fundraiser – Christina Pinkerman - $1,750 

Mizzou Greek Winners:
1^st Place – Chi Omega - $1,060 (Prize Winner)
2^nd Place – Sigma Chi - $1,005
3^rd Place – Pi Beta Phi - $607 

Mizzou Student Organization Winners:
1^st Place – Deaton’s Children - $1,814 (Prize Winner)
2^nd Place – MU Ag Ed - $1,260
3^rd Place – Sigma Splashers - $1,027 

Middle School/High School Winners:
1^st Place – Harrisburg High School - $800 (Prize Winner)
2^nd Place – West Junior High School $550
3^rd Place – Boonville High School - $400 

Competition for the Golden Plunger was steep this year. Participants are encouraged to come in costume and compete for the chance to take home the “golden plunger.”
1^st Place – Pi Beta Phi, Columbia, Penguins and Polar Bears
2^nd Place – Brook Ballew’s Team, Super Heroes
3^rd Place – Preston Sights, Incredible Hulk 

This year’s event was held in conjunction with Columbia Police Department. Presenting sponsors included Columbia Missourian, Zimmer Radio, KOMU and the Missouri CW, Mid America Wireless and Socket

For more information about the Polar Plunge, visit www.somo.org/plunge.  

Special Olympics Missouri is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with mental disabilities. More than 15,000 athletes participate in 21 Olympic-type sports throughout the state. Special Olympics provides people with mental disabilities continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with their fellow athletes, their family and friends, and communities across Missouri.