The 13th Annual Lake Viking Polar Plunge will take place Feb. 15. Brave men and women from around the area will don costumes and swimwear and take “polar” dips into Lake Viking. Their “Reason for Freezin” . . . the athletes of Special Olympics Missouri! All proceeds from this year’s event will benefit training and competition for the 1,200 Special Olympics Missouri athletes here in the north area.
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 both the Chillicothe Correctional Center and the Daviess County Sheriff’s Department and will take place at the Lake Viking Clubhouse. Day-of registration begins at 11 a.m. and the Plunge starts promptly at 2 p.m. The Pee Wee Plunge will take place for all those 9 years and younger prior to the main event.
In 2019, Polar Plungers raised over $15,000 for Special Olympics Missouri North Area athletes. Each participant must raise a minimum of $75 to participate and can earn incentives by reaching fund-raising goals. Pee Wee plungers must raise a minimum of $25 to participate. This year’s goal is $20,000 and organizers hope to break the million-dollar mark across the state with 11 events.
Costumes are highly encouraged. Awards will be given in the following categories: Top Fund-raiser, Top Fund-raising Group, and Top Fund-raising School. Golden Plunger Awards for the most creative costumes will also be presented to both top group and top individuals.
No wet suits are allowed, and shoes are required.
The easiest and most efficient way to register is online at www.somo.org/plunge. Participants may also register the day of the Plunge at Lake Viking.
All plunging participants will receive an official Polar Plunge commemorative shirt and bragging rights for freezing your fur off. Come early as there will be lunch and music.
Polar Plunge sponsors include Smithfield Hog Production, Gallatin Publishing, and Lake Viking Association. For more information about the Polar Plunge, please contact Melody Prawitz at 816-233-6232 or email [email protected].
About Special Olympics:
Missouri Special Olympics Missouri is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. More than 16,400 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 returns 85 percent of every dollar back to program services and is privileged to be recognized with these honors: Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity, Charity Navigator 3-star rating and an inductee into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame – Class of 2013.
Thank you for trusting us with your donations, volunteer time and your goodwill. Visit Special Olympics at www.somo.org. Engage with us on Twitter @somissouri; fb.com/specialolympicsmo; Instagram @somissouri.
