Polar Plunge, Special Olympics bring athletes together

The theme of this year's Polar Plunge may have been "Be a a Below-Zero Superhero," but participants were treated to a little milder weather than normal.

The event, which took place Saturday afternoon, is the biggest fundraiser for Special Olympics athletes in Southeast Missouri. One hundred seventy-five people raised about $43,000 in this year's plunge, nearly reaching their goal of $45,000. Special Olympics regional development director Penny Williams said she believed that goal would be exceeded when money from the silent auction was included.

Special Olympics Missouri is a year-round program for people with intellectual disabilities. More than 16,000 athletes participate in 21 Olympic-type sports throughout the state, according to the organization's website.

On Feb. 14, more than 600 athletes will be in Cape Girardeau for the Special Olympics Southeast Regional Basketball Tournament. More than 70 teams will compete to qualify for the State Indoor Games in Fort Leonard Wood and Waynesville, Missouri, in March.

These events are great not only for the athletes, who push themselves physically and socialize with others with similar interests, but also for the community.

"Sometimes when people hear 'Special Olympics sports,' they don't think of them as intense or full-speed. But I would tell people they are just as intense and as fast-paced (as) traditional games. They are competitive, but with a huge emphasis on sportsmanship," Black Wolves coach Josh Buchheit said.

And as with any large event, there's an economic boon as well. Williams told the Southeast Missourian two hotels are booked solid for people coming from out of town.

Events like the basketball tournament are made possible by fundraisers such as the Polar Plunge. We extend sincere thanks to all the Below-Zero Superheroes, and wish good luck to those competing in the tournament.