WATER WARRIORS WRAP UP THEIR 20TH ANNUAL ENDURANCE RIDE FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS MICHIGAN ATHLETES!
(New riders from across the state are welcome and encouraged!)
August 3, 2010 – They gaze out at the waves of Lake Huron with a smile. No matter how rough the water may be during their 350-mile endurance ride, the Water Warriors are ready to take on the challenge. They see hope on the horizon. The Water Warriors are a unique and passionate group of men and women of all ages and from all walks of life, with a love of the water and a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of Special Olympics Michigan athletes. They are passionate in their pursuit.
Sometimes the personal watercraft riders feel weary and beaten up after many miles in pouring rain or tackling the crushing weight of 10-foot rolling waves, but the strong spirit of the Water Warriors pushes them forward. The Water Warriors members form friendships and build bonds.
Their journey began early Monday, July 26 in Mackinaw City. About 17 men and women spent five days riding their personal watercraft to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Michigan athletes. The Water Warriors pulled into Idle Hour Yacht Club on Harsens Island in St. Clair County on Friday, July 30, greeted by sunshine and cheers, after traveling 350 miles down the Lake Huron Shoreline and St. Clair River. They were accompanied by plenty of water and land support. The water temperature was about 15 degrees warmer this year than it was for the 2009 endurance ride.
Three new riders joined the group this year:
William Soule, 18, of Macomb Township – Riding alongside some long time Water Warriors was William Soule. William had an added personal challenge, he was born deaf. William has been involved with the Water Warriors for five years, alongside his parents. When he turned 18 this year and became eligible to ride, William made the commitment. He first heard the sound o running water at age 9, when he was fitted with a cochlear implant. But William can’t get the implant wet, so his endurance ride was quite different than the other riders. He ride was silent. William doesn’t let his disability stop him from enjoying life and helping others.
Patty Gaffke, 50 of Detroit – “For the athletes it’s life changing. They’re just incredible people. From the minute I got on the jet ski I knew I’d like to do this again.”
Jason Markel, 28, of Marine City – Jason’s parents have been Water Warriors for about 10 years. This was his first time as a rider. “It’s a great cause and a very fun time. I can’t wait to go next year. Seeing the athletes at every stop was something that makes it worth doing. I will be back next year for sure!”
Alexandra Scott, 22, of Harrison Township – Alexandra has been riding for five years. “Everyone loves boating, everyone loves being on the water and anyone can get involved with it. You see these people who have been doing it for 20 years and you want to keep it going.”
Ann Plegue, 51, of Fair Haven – 2010 marked Ann’s 16th ride! “We definitely want to continue to ride forward and increase the number of riders. We want to raise larger amounts of money. I love Special Olympics Michigan and helping the cause. I love the camaraderie, making new friends and love the sport of being on the water. If anybody ever thought of taking on an exciting challenge and would like to come out and try it
for a few days or a full week we would welcome new riders to get more people involved. They certainly wouldn’t regret it.”
The Water Warriors started back in 1991 with Ken Baker, Larry Scott and Chris Scott. After five years they were the three Water Warriors who had participated every year. Larry Scott and Ken Baker continued their involvement and dedication into this, the 20th anniversary endurance ride.
Each day of the ride had pre-planned fuel and rest stops, along with fundraisers and overnight accommodations. The Water Warriors each cover the cost of their hotel stays and food for the week.
During the ride, boat support crews traveled along with the personal watercraft riders to ensure their safety. Land support crews also assisted riders. Special Olympics Michigan athletes greeted and cheered on the riders at many of the stops.
Since the Water Warriors started in 1991, they have raised more than $2 million for Special Olympics Michigan athletes. The total amount raised this year will not be known until fall, since more fundraisers are planned and more money is expected to come in. But the group hopes to present a check of at least $50,000 to Special Olympics Michigan at the State Poly Hockey Finals in November.
The Water Warriors have not yet announced ride dates for 2011. A press release will come out later this year with more information. New riders are welcomed and encouraged!
Riders must be 18 years or older and raise a minimum of $1,800 but shorter rides and smaller financial commitments are available. Some riders solicit funds through their business associates, while others host fundraisers such as pig roasts, spaghetti dinners, golf tournaments and poker runs, among others.
The Water Warriors Endurance Ride helps children and adults with intellectual disabilities participate in year-round sports training and athletic competition. Because of groups like the Water Warriors, these programs are available at no cost to the athletes or their families.
To find out more about Special Olympics Michigan and the Water Warriors, visit www.somi.org. If you would like to make a donation or become a Water Warriors member or sponsor, please call Rowena Filary at (810) 343- 0277 or Jim Adams at (248) 330-4449. Plenty of photos are available of the Water Warriors 20th anniversary on their facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Water-Warriors/10150146896390704?ref=ts
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