Nearly 300 take 'Polar Plunge' for Special Olympics | Community Spirit

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KFVS) - With the water temperature at 28 degrees, some people in the Heartland took a plunge for a good cause.  It was all for 7th Annual Polar Plunge benefiting the Special Olympics.

Close to three hundred people jumped into the lake at Trail of Tears State Park on Saturday afternoon.

Athletes from the Special Olympics were on hand to cheer on the plungers.

Brave men and women from around the area donned costumes and swimwear and took “polar” dips into Lake Boutin. Their Reason for Freezin’ was the athletes of Special Olympics Missouri. All proceeds from this year’s event will benefit training and competition for the 1,100 Special Olympics Missouri athletes here in the Southeast Area.    

The Polar Plunge was open to anyone 10 years or older who is a fan of having a good time for a good cause. The event was hosted by Cape Girardeau Police Department and will take place at the Lake Boutin, 429 Moccasin Springs, Jackson, Mo. Day-of registration began at noon and the Plunge started at 2 p.m. 

According to Special Olympics Missouri, in 2012, Polar Plungers raised $55,600 for athletes. Each participant must raise a minimum of $75 to participate and can earn incentives by reaching fundraising goals. This year’s goal is $65,766, and organizers hope to break the million-dollar mark across the state with 13 events.

Costumes were highly encouraged. Awards were given in the following categories: Top Fundraisers, Top Law Enforcement Fundraiser, Top Fundraising Group and Top Fundraising School. No wet suits are allowed and shoes are required.

All plunging participants received an official Polar Plunge commemorative shirt, bragging rights for freezing your fur off and free admission to the Post Plunge Party at Isle Cape Girardeau Casino Banquet Room.

Polar Plunge sponsors include American Family Insurance, Noranda, Banterra Bank and Ameren Missouri.  Other participating Law Enforcement agencies include: Cape Girardeau Police Department and Fredericktown Police Department.    

Copyright 2013 KFVS. All rights reserved.