Eighty people take a cold plunge to benefit Special Olympics

Eighty men and women braved the frigid waters of Trail of Tears State Park's Lake Boutin Saturday to benefit the Special Olympics Missouri Southeast Area.

While the temperature hovered just at the freezing mark, bitterly cold winds coursing over the frozen surface of the lake made the air temperatures much colder, causing participants in the Cape Girardeau Area Polar Bear Plunge to shiver as they waited at the shoreline for the signal to jump in.

Ice almost 2 inches thick had been removed from water along the shoreline to allow eight groups of 10 to run into the water, swim several feet and scurry back to shore and into warming rooms.

Participants pledged to raise at least $50 each to take part in the event that is planned to be offered annually from now on, said Penny Williams of the Special Olympics Missouri Southeast Area Management Team in Cape Girardeau.

The Polar Bear Plunges are a national event, she said. The local chapter was inspired to organize one after Lake of the Ozarks raised $88,000 last year after 12 years of annual Polar Bear Plunges, she said.

"People are excited about it," she said. "It's a new concept in our area."

Individuals as well as law enforcement, church and civic groups joined in the challenge of "freezin' for a reason," including the Cape Girardeau Special Response Team, Cape Girardeau Fire Department, Cape Girardeau Bible Chapel and Cape Girardeau Kiwanis Club.

The Cape Girardeau Special Response Team suited up for the event, with the exception of two members on military leave, said Lt. John Davis.

"It's just a super, super cause," he said. "We have raised enough to cover everybody and then some."

The biggest group fund-raiser was the Cape Girardeau Kiwanis Club, which collectively raised $4,700.

Shortly before the plunge, participants were judged on their costumes, an optional feature of the event.

Steve Head, of Fredericktown won first place for his "Cinderfella" costume with pink dress, white stockings and a blonde wig. He received the coveted Golden Plunger award.

Head, who represented the Fredericktown School District, was the only participant who took the plunge twice.

"It actually was warmer the second time around," he laughed.

Williams said she hoped to raise $10,000 this year that will help fund special olympics events locally.

Sponsors were recognized at Saturday's event, which included Cape Girardeau police and fire departments, Pyramid Homes, American Family Insurance, Cardiovascular Consultants, Trail of Tears State Park and the Department of Natural Resources.

Special Olympics Missouri Southeast Area provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with mental disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community, Williams said.

carel@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127