Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

Who do you think would be willing to plunge into the frigid waters of the Versailles Lake at the Versailles State Park in the middle of winter wearing nothing but their bathing suit? Nathanial (Nate) Greer, 13, is happy to. “I thought it would be fun, and I wanted to help raise money for Special Olympics,” he said. Greer is a seventh grader at Milan Middle School and will be among those taking the plunge at the First Annual Area 9 Polar Plunge on Saturday, February 23 at 10:30 a.m.

Nate is the son of Sue and Tony Greer of Dillsboro and is very active in Special Olympics. “He likes Special Olympics because no one makes fun of him,” Sue told The Versailles Republican. Reluctant at first to go to basketball practice, Nate eventually started to take part and have fun. “They have great sportsmanship,” he told his mother. He likes to participate in golf, individual and team bowling, skiing, basketball, and softball skills, which teaches the basics of softball. Sue learned about the Special Olympic program from Jeanette Mattingly, whose son, Drew, participates in several of the athletic programs.

South Ripley Elementary fifth grader Drew Mattingly, son of Jeanette and Scott Mattingly, participates in basketball, golf, individual bowling, and softball skills. “He will not be plunging, because his mom won’t let him,” laughs Jeanette. But, Drew will be there, cheering Nate on.
Jeanette, co-chairperson of the Area 9 Polar Plunge, has a cousin who participated in the Special Olympics. “I’ve always known that I wanted Drew to be a part of it,” she said. Drew’s first sport was golf, and he would hit the golf balls with his walker. Jeanette used to be a grant coordinator with the Ripley, Ohio, Dearborn Special Olympics, but stepped down to spend more time with her family. She now volunteers as a coach.

Nate hopes to raise $3,000 by plunging, where a portion of the proceeds will go to benefit athletes in Ripley, Ohio, and Dearborn counties. In fact, if Nate reaches his goal, his principal at Milan Middle School, Marty Layden, will plunge with him. “I want to see Mr. Layden plunge. It will be fun,” said Nate. Layden noted, “I am pleased to help Nate with his goal. The Special Olympics is a great organization.”

Tax deductible donations can be made at Nate’s website, www.firstgiving.com/nategreer. This is a secure website where those who donate can print out a receipt that has First Giving’s tax ID number. Those who prefer to donate by check or cash can contact Area 9 Polar Plunge co-chairs Jeanette Mattingly at 812-689-5671 or Sue Greer at 812-432-3738. “This is the most vital fund raiser the Special Olympics has,” said Jeanette.

Nate is not the only one plunging. According to Jeanette, South Ripley Principal Mark Collier, Drew’s fifth grade teacher, Mr. Lauber, and members of the South Ripley High School girls junior varsity basketball team will be plunging. Also, taking the plunge will be Bob Herzog, traffic reporter for the Channel 12 News, Cincinnati.

Businesses are encouraged to participate, with 100% of the proceeds coming back to Ripley, Ohio, and Dearborn counties. A donation of $250 will allow a business to have one VIP plunger and a donation of $500 allows a business to have two people to plunge. Donations also allow the business to advertise at the plunge and at the After Splash Bash.

Polar Plunges are held in every state, although this is the first time that Area 9 Special Olympics will be holding one. Athletes from Ripley, Ohio, Dearborn, Fayette, Franklin Wayne, Union, Shelby, and Decatur counties will gather at the lake at the Versailles State Park. The Olympic torch will be carried by Officer Autumn Lacey, Lawrenceburg, and an athlete whose name will be drawn from a hat. Plungers are required to wade in at least knee deep, although some athletes will totally immerse themselves.

An After Splash Bash will be held at the South Ripley Elementary School. Cost will be $5 for non-plungers. Plungers and non-plungers will have the opportunity to warm up while listening to a DJ. Donations for the bash are welcome.

T-shirts and sweatshirts of the event can be ordered with funds benefiting Area 9 Special Olympics. To order T-shirts or for more information on the Polar Plunge, contact Mattingly at 689-5671 or Greer at 432-3738.

BETH RUMSEY PHOTO Pictured from left are: Drew Mattingly, his mother, Jeanette, Sue Greer, and son Nate, who will be taking the plunge. They are pictured with this giant polar bear that was donated to the event by the Cincinnati Zoo Gift Shop.