SOMO News

COLUMBIA – The 16th Annual Columbia Polar Plunge will take place on Saturday, March 11. Brave men and women from around the area will don disco-themed costumes and swimwear and take “polar” dips into Bass Pro Shops Lake. Their Reason for Freezin’. . .  the athletes of Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO)! All proceeds from this year’s event will benefit training and competition for the thousands of SOMO athletes across the state, including right here in Mid-Missouri.

The Polar Plunge is open to anyone 10 years or older who is a fan of having a good time for a good cause. The event is hosted by the Columbia Police Department and will take place at the Bass Pro Shops Lake in Columbia. Day-of registration begins at 10 a.m. and the Plunge starts promptly at noon.

“I am so excited to see returning and new plungers, plunging for a great cause,” Plunge Coordinator Krista Evans said. “Our Central Area athletes are fortunate to have the continuous and generous support of the Columbia community. This event would not be possible without the dedication of the Columbia Police Department and the support of the Columbia Fire Department. Even if you are not plunging, we hope you will stop by the Plunge and cheer on your fellow community members. Clear 99’s Scotty and Liz will emcee the Polar Plunge again this year, and they will keep the audience up to date on all the fun!”

In 2022, Columbia Polar Plungers raised over $76,800 for SOMO athletes. Each participant must raise a minimum of $75 to take the Plunge and can earn incentives by reaching fundraising goals. This year’s goal is $60,000.00, and organizers hope to break the million-dollar mark across the state with 10 events.

Costumes are highly encouraged. Awards will be given to pre-registered Plungers in the following categories:

–       Top Fundraisers

–       Top Fundraising Groups

–       Top Fundraising Schools

Golden Plunger Awards for the most creative costumes will also be presented to the top school, top group and top individual.

No wet suits are allowed, and shoes are required.

The easiest and most efficient way to register and fundraise is online! Simply go to this link to sign up, and email your friends and family to support your Plunge. Paper registration forms are also available at the SOMO Training for Life Campus, 305 Special Olympics Dr., Jefferson City, MO 65101. Mail or deliver pre-registration forms and the minimum $75 contribution to Special Olympics Missouri Columbia Plunge, 305 Special Olympics Dr., Jefferson City, MO 65101.

Plunging participants will receive an official Polar Plunge commemorative shirt and bragging rights for freezing your fur off. Participants can also receive incentives for reaching fundraising goals: $250 – Beanie, $500 – Robe, $1,000 – Speaker and $2,000 – Fleece Zip-up jacket and beanie.

SOMO is lucky to have one Plunge Ambassador helping with this event. Our Plunge Ambassador for this year’s Plunge is Anna McDaniel. She is a SOMO athlete and board member. McDaniel has been working for months to help spread awareness of the Plunge!

“I am looking forward to seeing all the Plunge team names and everyone dressed up in their costumes,” McDaniel said. “I look forward to watching people plunge this year.”

Polar Plunge sponsors include Bass Pro Shops, The Missourian, KOMU 8, Clear 99 and Y107, EquipmentShare, Log Hill Properties, River Region Credit Union, and Little Dixie Construction.

For more information about the Polar Plunge, please contact Krista Evans at 573-469-7828 or email evans@somo.org.

Special Olympics Missouri

Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO) 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. SOMO 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.

SOMO 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, Guidestar Gold Level and Charity Navigator 4-star rating. 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.

Visit Special Olympics Missouri at www.somo.org. Engage with us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.