Plungers grin and brrr it for Special Olympics Missouri

One hundred ninety hardy souls costumed as goldfish crackers, ninjas, princesses, polar bears and bananas -- and a multitude of colorful T-shirts and swimming attire -- all braved the 28-degree temperature, a wind chill of 18 degrees and a water temperature of 34 degrees, to run, dive and splash their way into Lake Boutin at Trail of Tears State Park on Saturday afternoon in the fourth annual Polar Plunge to raise money for the state's Special Olympics.

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. The money raised at this local event stays in Southeast Missouri, helping young athletes prepare for the Special Olympics held on a local, state and national level.

"This year's national competition in July is really exciting for us," said Penny Williams, this year's plunge organizer. "It's our local Southeast Missouri team that won the state competition and will be representing Missouri at the nationals in Lincoln, Neb."

Scott Wright and Daniel Fultz are a part of that team and were participating in Saturday's event also. They have taken the plunge for four years and enjoy it every year.

"It's cold but fun!" Wright said.

A member of the 'Holy Rollers' plunge team emerges from Lake Boutin in Trail of Tears State Park Saturday, February 6, 2010 during the Polar Plunge benefiting the Special Olympics. The Special Olympics hopes to raise 36,000 during this years Polar Bear Plunge. Over 210 people plunged into Lake Boutin Saturday. (LAURA SIMON)

Each participant in Saturday's event had to raise at least $50. Shoes were required, but they could not wear a wet suit and costumes were optional.

"Why am I doing this? To help Special Olympics and to have free food," said 18-year-old Austin Westrich of Cape Girardeau. "I've done this with my dad for four years. We don't do any special training to get ready for it, we just jump in, freeze and run." His team consisted of his dad, Larry, his younger sister Jessica and a friend, Justin Keusenkothen, all of Cape Girardeau.

It was the first year for 11-year-old participant Trenton Leimer of Cape Girardeau. His parents, Mike and LaRae Leimer, were on hand to cheer him on and provide towels to warm him up afterward. When asked why he was willing to jump into freezing waters on a cold day, he shrugged nonchalantly and replied, "I just like helping people." He and his family raised $125.

People from all over the area came to the event. "We had a bus from Dexter come in," Williams said, "They called their team the Dexter Brrrrcats.

"People don't seem to mind the cold temperatures. We have warming tents and hot drinks for them after they plunge. Last year we actually had to crack through 3 to 4 inches of ice for the plungers to get into the water. We also have sweat shirts for those who actually go into the water, but we also have T-shirts that say 'chicken' on them for those who want to donate but don't want to get into the water."

More 200 onlookers cheered from the beach as teams of ten ran into the water one team at a time.

The Cape Girardeau Fire Department and ambulance crew were on hand to monitor the participants' safety. Firemen in wet suits stood in chest-deep water marking the 10- to 15-yard distance from the beach the plungers had to stay within, and they were there to help anyone who might have trouble in the water.

Many of the teams were dressed up in costumes, vying for the coveted Golden Plunger Award for best costume. The Polar Bear Team sported white T-shirts and white hats, the Slushy Team wore plastic bowls on their heads with long straws. The KFVS-12 team made the plunge dressed in business suits and camera makeup. "The water is cold!" one of their team members yelled as she raced back up the beach toward the warming tent.

Awards were also going to be given in the evening for Top Fundraiser, Top Law Enforcement Fundraiser, Top Fundraiser Group and Top Fundraising School. A post-plunge party and dinner for all participants was hosted at Buckner Brewing Co. on Saturday evening.

By the start of the event about $31,185 had already been raised. "Our goal is $36,000," Williams said, "but we'll have more funds coming in during and after the event, and hopefully we'll make our goal." Last year more than $32,000 was raised for Special Olympics Missouri.

Sponsors of the event included KZIM Real Rock, Kiwanis Club, Pyramid Home Health Services, KFVS-12, American Family -- Laurel and Chris Adkisson, Culver's, First State Community Bank, Trail of Tears State Park and the Cape Girardeau police and fire departments.