Special Olympics

While most people in early February are trying to find ways to stay warm, some individuals recently went out of their way to be cold and wet -- all in an effort to raise money for Special Olympics Missouri's Southeast Area.

Earlier this month, 268 individuals participated in the annual Polar Plunge with a goal of raising $60,000. And the organization has nearly met that goal with $50,000 raised to date.

Money raised from the annual event helps fund year-round sports training and other athletic competitions for those with intellectual disabilities.

Penny Williams, recreation manager for the city of Cape Girardeau and director of the Special Olympics' Southeast Area, said she was happy with the turnout, which she said was the largest in both participants and spectators. Williams said she had "high hopes" that the $60,000 goal would still be met.

In Missouri, 15,000 athletes participate in the games. And this weekend there will be an opportunity to see the money raised put to good use.

A district basketball tournament will take place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Three locations will be used for the tournament: the Osage Centre, the Student Rec Center North and Trinity Lutheran School. On Saturday, an opening ceremony will take place at the Osage Centre at 7 p.m. and a dance will follow for the athletes. All the events are free of charge.

Those who would still like to support Special Olympics can go to www.somo.org/capeplunge and look up a person who participated in the plunge to donate. Williams said donations can also be accepted in person at the Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau.

Special Olympics provides a wonderful opportunity for those who would normally not have the chance to compete in athletic competitions. Consider supporting this cause. To learn more, contact Penny Williams at 573-339-6733 or by e-mail at williams@somo.org.