Polar Plunge
Be cooler than cool. Be polar. Take the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Missouri!
Registration is now open for the 2010 Polar Plunges! Or choose their location to donate to a plunger.
This "unbearable" event is a unique opportunity for individuals, businesses and organizations to support local Special Olympic athletes by jumping, diving or crawling into the sparkling, frigid waters of Missouri. Since its inception in 1996, 11,255 Missourians have taken the Plunge in lakes across the state, raising more than $2.5 million.
If you're too chicken to make the splash, be a fan by making a pledge to a braver soul or by volunteering at the event.
Proceeds support year-round sports training and athletic competition for more than 15,000 children and adults with mental disabilities who participate in Special Olympics Missouri. Click here to find out how you can get involved with the program in your area.
2010 Polar Plunge Dates (Click each location for details and to register and to donate)
2010 Plunge Results
We want to see your Plunge!
Did you get your Plunge on Video? Post it to YouTube and Email the link to us. You may just see yourself in the 2010 promotions!
Introducing: Shiver!
Thank you to everyone who voted in the contest to name our mascot. Be Shiver's friend on Facebook.
It's the coolest event around - and we've got proof!
Click here to visit our photo gallery, where you can view photos from all 13 Plunges in 2009. From dominoes to Mario Brothers, all our Plungers had a great time freezing for a great cause: Special Olympics.
Chilly Badges of Honor
Each Plunge will award top fundraisers and the coveted Golden Plunger Award (for the Polar Bear judged as having the best costume). Each Plunge will also reward Polar Bears who meet fundraising incentives. Plus, every Polar Bear will receive an exclusive Polar Plunge sweatshirt. Click here to see this year's fundraising incentives.
Resources (clicking a link will download the file):
Rules
Minimum total must be turned in by date of Plunge (see location for minimum amounts).
Bring proof of online registration OR your registration form and collected donations to the event.
Attire: Participants can wear anything but a wet suit and must wear shoes and at least a swimsuit.
Minimum age: Must be at least 10 years old (anyone under 14 must be accompanied by an adult, who must attend the event) at all locations except Lake Saint Louis and Louisiana, which require a minimum age of 14, and the Strut, which has no age minimum.
The Polar Plunge is one of many events hosted by law enforcement to benefit their charity of choice, Special Olympics.