There’s Room for You at Hannibal Polar Plunge for Special Olympics

Compared with past years, the 2016 Special Olympics Polar Plunge in Hannibal should be almost tolerable.

With temperatures predicted in the upper 40s with sunshine Saturday, February 27, this year's plunge will be about as pleasant as it will every get.

Registration for the sixth annual plunge begins at noon at the Hannibal marina, with plunging to begin at 2 p.m. It should be noted that if you come as a spectator, you shouldn't be late, because all the plungers should be in and out of the Mississippi River by 2:15.

After raising $14,673 for Special Olympics last year, a goal of $15,000 has been set for this year.

The theme for this year is "Be a Below-Zero Hero!" Proceeds benefit Special Olympics Missouri's year-round program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. There are more than 500 Special Olympians in northeast Missouri.

It should also be noted that the Hannibal Polar Plunge is the only plunge in Missouri that takes place in the Mississippi River.

To register in advance you can go to www.somo.org.