Maryland Heights and Hazelwood police departments are dispatching a call for all polar bears!  The 16th annual Polar Plunge will be held on February 19.  Brave men and women from around the area will don costumes and swimwear and take “polar” dips into Creve Coeur Lake.

Their reason for freezin’ ? The athletes of Special Olympics Missouri. All proceeds from the event benefit individuals with intellectual disabilities served by Special Olympics Missouri. This year’s goal is 400 plungers and $90,000. Organizers across the state hope to break the million-dollar mark this year with 11 events.

The Polar Plunge is open to anyone 10 years or older who is a fan of having a good time for a good cause. The event will take place at Creve Coeur Lake in Maryland Heights. There are several precautions in place to ensure a safe in-person event, including staggered start times, social distancing, sanitizing stations, and mask requirements. An at-home Plunge option is also being offered this year, giving people an opportunity to plunge their way.

Each participant is required to raise a minimum $75 to participate in the Polar Plunge. All participants will receive an official Polar Plunge commemorative shirt. Participants can also receive incentives for reaching fundraising goals.

The easiest and most efficient way to register and fundraise is online. Simply go to 2022 Polar Plunge Maryland Heights – Special Olympics Missouri (somo.org), sign up, and email your friends and family to support your Plunge. Paper registration forms are also available at the SOMO St. Louis Area Office. Mail or deliver pre-registration forms and the minimum $75 contribution to Special Olympics Missouri Plunge – 2945 S. Brentwood Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63144.

Prizes will be awarded for costumes and top fundraisers in several categories.