Polar Plunge
This "unbearable" event is a unique opportunity to show your bravery as you support local Special Olympics athletes by walking, running or crawling into the frigid winter waters that Missouri has to offer.
Participants must be at least 10 years old and raise a minimum of $75 each by event day (every member on a team must raise the $75 minimum).
Did you know that you can purchase your Polar Plunge souvenirs online? Click the link below!
A registration fee of $10 is charged at the time of registration (grade schools and high schools exempted). This $10 DOES go toward your $75 fundraising minimum, so you only need to then raise at least $65 to participate.
NOTE: We are using a new registration platform this year, so returners will need to create a new login and password to sign up! This new system is MUCH more user friendly.
COVID precautions:
If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, exposed to COVID-19 in the ten days prior to the Polar Plunge, or are experiencing fever, cough, loss of taste/smell or shortness of breath, you should stay at home.
NO DIVING IS ALLOWED AT ANY OF OUR PLUNGES! THIS WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.
The Polar Plunge is a project of the Law Enforcement Torch Run(R) for Special Olympics Missouri. Various police departments, highway patrols, correctional centers and other law enforcement agencies around the state are proud to host this annual event.
Proceeds benefit Special Olympics Missouri’s year-round program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
2024 Plunge and Strut locations
Our 2024 Polar Plunges and Polar Bear Strut 5k's are right around the corner! You can see the dates and locations below. Registration officially opened on Oct. 6. Questions? Reach out to Crystal Schuster.
In 2023, SOMO raised nearly $900,000 with 11 Polar Plunges across the state! We hope to raise even more money in 2024!
Super Plunges
Are you someone who thinks swimming in a semi-frozen body of water just once is kind of easy? Is Plunging 24 times in 24 hours extreme enough for you? If you are interested, choose one of the following locations to send an email to the respective event planner. Registration will officially open on Oct. 1.
Kansas City: Christina McDonough Hunt
Lake of the Ozarks: Crystal Schuster
Springfield: Haley Blevins
Due to vendor supply, items may be different when received at the Plunge event. We will do our best to provide similar items. Thank you for understanding.
2024 Incentives
$250
Towel
$500
Sling Bag
$1,000
Stanley Cup
$2,000
Touch Screen Gloves and all other items
If you prefer to mail donations to our office, please use the address for the location nearest you.
Tell me more about this good cause.
All of the money raised at the 2023 Polar Plunge will support Special Olympics Missouri athletes.
Special Olympics Missouri is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Thousands of athletes participate in 16 Olympic-type sports throughout the state. Special Olympics provides people with intellectual 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.
Special Olympics Missouri is proud of our financial health returning 78% of every dollar back to program services. We are privileged to be recognized with these honors: Better Business Bureau A+ Charity Accreditation, Charity Navigator 4-star rating and Guidestar Gold Level. Special Olympics was also recently named Morning Consult’s No. 4 most trusted nonprofit.
Thank you for trusting us with your donations, volunteer time and your goodwill.
Get involved in your local program. Visit our calendar for events near you.
It’s easier to raise money for a cause when you personally know someone who will be affected by your generosity. Meet your local Plunge Ambassadors!
Our Plunge Ambassadors work for months to help spread awareness of each of our events. They also each serve on their respective planning committees. Many of them even elect to take the Plunge as well!
