Polar Plunge to raise money for the Special Olympics of Missouri

SPRINGFIELD – The 8th Annual Springfield Polar Plunge will take place this Saturday, March 4. Brave men and women from around the area will don disco-themed costumes and swimwear and take “polar” dips into Cable Park 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 Springfield.

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 Springfield Police Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop D. It will take place at the Ski Shack at Cable Park Lake. Day-of registration begins at 10 a.m., and the Plunge starts promptly at 11:30 a.m.

“It’s exciting to see the community come together to support our athletes,” Plunge Coordinator Haley Blevins said.

In 2022, Springfield Polar Plungers raised over $73,000 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 $80,000 and organizers hope to break the million-dollar mark across the state with 10 events.

Polar Plunge sponsors include: Gold Mountain, Ski Shack, SRC, iHeart Media, HyVee, D&E Music, Springfield Police Officer’s Association, Missouri State Trooper Association, PSC Accounting and many more partners from the Springfield Community.