SOMO News
SOMO Scoop Newsletter: February

Stay informed and inspired with this month’s updates in the February SOMO Scoop Newsletter!
Statewide
Polar Plunge
Registration for the 2025 Polar Plunge is officially open! Join us for the COOLEST event of the year and take the plunge into icy cold water alongside participants from all across Missouri. Whether you go solo or organize a team with friends, family, or co-workers, get creative with costumes and help support a great cause. Every dollar raised benefits Special Olympics programming, directly supporting over 12,000 athletes in Missouri. If you can’t take the plunge, you can still contribute by donating, volunteering or showing your support. Don’t miss out on this exciting and impactful event!
Indoor Games
Join us in St. Charles, Mo., for the 2025 State Indoor Games, featuring Bowling and Basketball! Athletes qualify through area or regional competitions. Click here to read more.
2024 Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Banquet: November 23, 2024
The SOMO community gathered at the Training for Life Campus to honor the 2024 Hall of Fame Class and celebrate the outstanding achievements of athletes, coaches, volunteers, and families. The event highlighted inspiring stories of dedication, sportsmanship, and the impact of Special Olympics across Missouri. It was an unforgettable afternoon filled with heartfelt speeches, special recognition, and a strong sense of community. Click here to read the recap article.
Spread The Word Inclusion Day
Spread the Word Inclusion Day is an annual event dedicated to promoting inclusion and acceptance for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Schools and communities can celebrate with activities like Disability Awareness Week, Respect Week, or Kindness Week. Students can sign an inclusion pledge, create their own, or commit to actions that promote inclusion. Learn more and take the pledge at spreadtheword.global/pledge.
More information about Spread the Word Inclusion. Check out more resources for schools on our website at www.somo.org/ucs. Contact ucs@somo.org for more information.
2026 USA Games
It’s never too early to talk about the 2026 USA Games! Check out our informational flyer below for the latest details on how to become a member of Team MO Magic! Questions? Reach out to Susan Shaffer!
Central Area
NCCxSOMO Cornhole Tournament
Special Olympics MO Central Area and Nichols Career Center have teamed up to host a Cornhole Tournament! Grab a friend, make a team, and play some cornhole to win a cash prize! We will have a raffle and concessions for purchase. We still have a few slots available!
MU Wrestling: Thursday, February 22
Join us on February 22 to support MU Wrestling! Tickets are free, but registration is required to attend. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to cheer on the team!
Columbia Polar Plunge
Sign up for the 2025 Columbia Polar Plunge and show your bravery by walking, running, or crawling into the frigid winter waters to support Special Olympics Missouri athletes! In 2024, 193 plungers helped raise over $61,500—let’s make 2025 even bigger! This unique event features a fun atmosphere with music, hilarious costumes, and lasting memories for everyone involved. Don’t miss your chance to make a difference and take the plunge!
Kansas City Metro Area
Kansas City Polar Plunge Recap
The 21st Annual Kansas City Polar Plunge at Longview Lake was a huge success, raising $174,017 to date. 585 brave participants and 9 Super Plungers helped support SOMO athletes with their icy dives. Online fundraising is still ongoing, with a goal of reaching $185,000. Donate here!
Click here to view the recap blog!
Kansas City Pickleball Series
Join us for a free Skill Development Pickleball Series at Char Bar Parkville! Sessions are limited to 24 athletes each and run on the following dates: 1/19, 1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23, 3/2, and 3/9. Athletes must have active SOMO physicals to participate.
Click HERE to Register! Questions? Please contact Meg Ward.
KC Unified Basketball Intramural with UMKC
Our 5-week Unified Basketball Intramural League with UMKC kicks off on February 4 at Swinney Recreation Center in Kansas City. Games run from 5:45–7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays: February 4, 11, 18, 25, and March 4. 15 spots available! All athletes must be 18 years or older with an active physical. Register HERE!
Questions? Please contact Meg Ward: ward@somo.org
North Area
2025 Polar Plunge Chillicothe Plunge recap
Stay tuned for more updates from the 2025 Polar Plunge in Chillicothe on February 1 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.! A recap article and video are coming soon.
Upcoming North Area Polar Plunges
Don’t worry- you can still get in on the fun! The 2025 Polar Plunge St. Joseph and 2025 Polar Plunge Kirksville are right around the corner!
West Regional Basketball
Get ready for the West Regional Basketball Tournament in St. Joseph, MO, on March 1 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Locations are to be determined, so stay tuned for more details!
Southeast Area
2025 Polar Plunge Cape Girardeau
This “unbearable” event is a unique opportunity to show your bravery as you support local Special Olympics Missouri athletes by walking, running or crawling into the frigid winter waters. This one-of-a-kind event promises a fun atmosphere complete with music, funny costumes and lasting memories for everyone! Sign up to Plunge here!
SOMO East Regional Basketball Tournament
The SOMO East Regional Basketball Tournament will take place on Sunday, February 16, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Cape Girardeau, MO, at various venues. Come out and support our athletes as they compete and showcase their skills!
Southwest Area
2025 Polar Plunge Springfield
Join us for the 10th Annual Springfield Polar Plunge! Parking is in the lot South of Ski Shack. Parking attendants will be present to direct parking. Check-in and Day-of Registration is at the back of the parking lot beginning at 10:30am. Plunges begin at 12:00 pm. Sign up to Plunge here!
Southwest Local Basketball- Nixa
Nixa High School will host the Southwest Area Local Basketball Tournament, featuring a Unified Basketball event. Athletes will come together to compete, showcase their skills, and promote inclusion through the power of sports. Come out and cheer them on!
St. Louis Metro Area
2025 Polar Plunge Lake St. Louis Recap
Stay tuned for more updates from the 2025 Polar Plunge in Lake St. Louis on February 1 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.! A recap article and video are coming soon.
2025 Polar Plunge and Strut Maryland Heights
Show your bravery at this “unbearable” event by taking the icy plunge or participating in a frosty 5K strut to support Special Olympics Missouri athletes. This one-of-a-kind event promises a fun atmosphere filled with music, costumes, and lasting memories. We can’t wait to see you all there!
Stay in the know with SOMO by visiting our Area Pages below!