3rd Annual Joplin Polar Plunge Set for February 7

JOPLIN - The 3rd Annual Joplin Polar Plunge and Polar Strut 5k will take place Saturday, February 7 at Rivers Bend Family Resort, bringing together community members for one of winter’s most exciting fundraising events benefiting Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO).

Participants will dress in costumes and swimwear before taking a plunge into icy waters to raise funds that support year-round sports training and athletic competition for Special Olympics Missouri athletes in the Southwest Area.

The Polar Plunge is open to anyone  age 10 years or older  who is ready to have fun for a great cause.

The event is hosted by Carthage and Joplin Police Departments.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026

• Location: Rivers Bend Family Resort, 4041 Hwy NN, Joplin, MO      

• Registration: Begins at 12 p.m.

• Plunge Time: 2 p.m.

• Minimum Fundraising Requirement: $75

Polar Bear Strut 5K

For those who prefer to stay dry, Special Olympics Missouri also invites the community to participate in the Polar Bear Strut 5K Fun Run/Walk.

The Polar Bear Strut 5K offers another way to show winter bravery by running, walking, rolling, or strutting through the cold winter air. The 5K will begin at 10 a.m., with day-of registration welcome.

Participants can register online at PlungeMO.org.

“The Polar Plunge is an exciting event that allows our community to show courage and strength just like our athletes do every day and it brings people from all walks of life to be unified in inclusion for our community,” said Haley Blevins, Plunge Coordinator. “The Plunge symbolizes our collective commitment to increasing confidence in those with intellectual disabilities across the state.”

In 2024, Joplin Polar Plungers raised more than $10,000 for Special Olympics Missouri athletes. The fundraising goal for 2026 is $12,000, with organizers hoping to help raise more than $1,000,000 statewide through 11 Polar Plunge events across Missouri.

Costumes are highly encouraged. Awards will be presented to pre-registered participants only in the following categories:

• Top Fundraisers 

• Top Fundraising Group

• Top Fundraising School 

• Best Individual Costume 

• Best Group Costume 

No wetsuits allowed. Shoes are required.

Registration & Participant Perks

The easiest way to register and fundraise is online at PlungeMO.org, where participants can sign up for the Lake St. Louis Polar Plunge and share their fundraising page with friends and family.

Plunging participants will receive:

• An official Polar Plunge commemorative T-shirt

Paper registration forms are available at 3524 South National Ave., Springfield, MO. Completed forms and the minimum fundraising contribution may be mailed or delivered to:

Special Olympics Missouri Polar Plunge
3524 South National Ave., Springfield, MO 6580