LAKE OF THE OZARKS -- About a thousand daring people were at Public Beach # 2 at the Lake of the Ozarks for the 17th annual Polar Plunge.

Brave men and women from around Missouri wore costumes and swimwear as they took a "polar" dip into the lake.

Their “Reason for Freezin” was for the Athletes of Special Olympics Missouri

All proceeds from the event benefit the organization.

Each participant was required to raise a minimum of $75 to participate in the Polar Plunge.

"It actually makes me happy because at least it's going towards Special Olympics which helps people with disabilities participate in other activities in the community,” Special Olympics athlete Jessica said.

KRCG's Zach Paul and Mike DeFranco took the plunge while Meghan Lane helped judge the costumes.

Special Olympics Missouri is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

More than 15-thousand athletes participate in 21 Olympic-type sports throughout the state.