Polar bears honored: Osage Beach recipient of the 2008 Award of Excellence for Special Olympics Missouri

The city of Osage Beach has been honored as the recipient of the 2008 Award of Excellence for Special Olympics Missouri.
It was an honor that the head of the city’s Department of Public Safety described as  a reflection of the many people who work tirelessly for the Special Olympics organization every year organizing and running the annual Polar Bear Plunge. 
The award was presented to the Osage Beach Board of Aldermen on Thursday, Jan. 8 during a meeting at city hall. The award, presented by the SOMO board of directors, was in recognition of the city’s years of dedication, financial contributions and partnership with the statewide organization.
DPS director Dave Severson accepted the award on behalf of the city.
The city was awarded the honor for their efforts to raise money and awareness of Special Olympics as sponsors of the annual Polar Bear Plunge.
The city has spearheaded the Polar Bear Plunge at the Lake of the Ozarks since 1996. During these 12 years, 5,023 people have participated in this “unbearable” event and have raised more than one million dollars for Special Olympics Missouri. 
In 2002, they expanded the event to include a 5K Fun Run called the Polar Bear Strut. This year, the second annual Super Plunge will be held. That event brings out only the most determined souls who brave the frigid temperatures plunging in the water every hour for 24 hours.
“Special Olympics is obviously very near and dear to a lot of people, but especially pulls at the heartstrings of law enforcement because of the strength, determination and endurance that it requires from the Special Olympic athletes,” Severson said. “It is really the cause that law enforcement across the country has adopted. We are very proud of the contribution and the role that the city has played in making this a successful event. It is most definitely an honor for us to receive the award.”
Osage Beach is credited with starting the plunge craze in Missouri.
In 2004, the event became a model for other communities to emulate beginning with St. Louis.  Kansas City came on board in 2005.  In 2006, there were five other communities hosting plunges. 
By 2008, the event grew to 12 locations and raised more than $500,000, statewide.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Bear Plunges have become SOMO’s signature event statewide. 
The statewide goal for 2009 is $700,000, with more than 500 Polar Bears and 150 Polar Strutters expected to turn out here at the lake next month. In 2008, the plunge at Lake of the Ozarks raised $126,000.


SOMO
 
 Special Olympics Missouri is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with mental disabilities.
  More than 15,000 athletes participate in 19 Olympic-type sports throughout the state.
  Special Olympics provides people with mental disabilities continuing opportunities to develop fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with their fellow  athletes, their family and friends and communities across Missouri.

2009 Plunge schedule

Super Plunge Schedule
Friday, Feb. 27
2:30 p.m.
Lake of the Ozarks State Park
Grand Glaize Beach
Super Plunge begins, 4 p.m.
Plunging every hour for 24 hours
Early check-in for pre-registered Plungers
Saturday, Feb. 23 , 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Osage Beach City Hall
Registration and packet pickup for the
5K Polar Bear Strut - 10 a.m.
Polar Bear Strut Noon- 2 p.m.
Grand Glaize Beach

Polar Bear Plunge
Registration - 2 p.m.
Parade of Costumes  - 2:15 p.m.
Welcome and Announcements - 2:30 p.m.
Polar Bear Plunge  - 4 p.m.
Tan-Tar-A Resort
Post Plunge Party Begins

To participate:
•Minimum total contribution per Polar Bear is $50.
•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).
For more information contact the Osage Beach Department of Public Safety at 573-302-2101 or the Special Olympics Missouri website: somo.org