February 22, 2011

By Lauren Bale

For those seeking an adrenaline rush in the form of hypothermia, or for those who simply can’t wait for the balmy days of summer to go for an outdoor swim, look no further than the fourth annual Polar Plunge.

The breathtaking event (pun intended), to benefit Special Olympics of Missouri, will take place Saturday and participants will have the chilly thrill of donning a wacky costume and taking a dip in Stephens Lake.

According to Diane Brimer, Special Olympics of Missouri area director, the event originally began at the Lake of the Ozarks, before forming a local branch in Columbia.

“The Lake of the Ozarks was the first site, but at some point they broke off and now the Polar Plunge fundraisers take place in 13 different locations,” Brimer said.

Since the first Polar Plunge into Stephen’s Lake four years ago, the fundraiser has gained a larger and larger following of participants, willing to brave the cold for a good cause and a good story.

“We have more participants registered online than total participants last year,” Brimer said. “That doesn’t even include the people who will register the day of the event.”

A chance to take a dip and raise money for Special Olympics are not the only things the Polar Plunge has to offer. The event also boasts a costume contest to award the wildest, wackiest and cleverest costumes brandished by swimmers.

Brimer said awards for individual costumes are a new feature to the contest this year, whereas in past years there has been a greater emphasis on group costumes.

“This way individuals have a chance to be recognized,” Brimer said. “Last year, we had some really great individual costumes that got overshadowed by the group costumes.”

If dressing in costume, diving into a frigid lake and raising money for Special Olympics Missouri sounds like too much excitement to pass up, registration for the event beings at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Stephens Lake.

Polar plungers must raise a minimum of $50 for Special Olympics, and be prepared to trade their body heat and pride for what is sure to be an exhilarating experience.