Ride The Waves Of Lake Huron An Be A Hero To Athletes

-By Robyn Shepard


The blue water of Lake Huron is still as glass and the warmth of the sun shines on the faces of the Water Warriors. They feel the vibration of the throttle at their thumbs and effortlessly cut through the water. On other days a cold breeze blows and 15-foot waves crash against rocks, sand, the shore, and their machines.

Those are the kinds of varied conditions the Water Warriors can face during their 400-mile ride across the waves of Lake Huron between Mackinaw City and Harsens Island. This year marks the 20th anniversary of their annual five-day endurance ride. Water Warriors is a group of sun-and-water-loving men and women who come together every year to support Special Olympics Michigan athletes. Ann Plegue, 15-year Water Warrior veteran rider, said, “You do what you love to do and benefit society at the same time.”

It’s because of unique individuals and fundraisers like this that Special Olympics Michigan is able to continue to provide year-round training and competitions at no cost to over 18,621 athletes and their families.

Water Warriors are much more than a group of people coasting the waves of Lake Huron.

“Riders get a chance to be heroes to [Special Olympics Michigan] athletes all across Michigan,”  said Jim Adams, Special Olympics Michigan Development and Events Manager. During the five-day period, riders have the opportunity to meet and interact with athletes at every stop.

“Every single year in Port Austin we give athletes rides around the harbor and to see the excitement on their faces – you are their hero then,” Plegue said.

Along with the joy of seeing all the good you are doing, it’s a great way to meet a lot of people, Plegue said, you also get the feeling of accomplishment from the length of the ride.

Right now, Water Warriors are recruiting riders for this year’s ride from July 26-July 30. If you are over the age of 18 and are interested in becoming a rider please contact Rowena Filary, Water Warriors Coordinator, at wwcoordinator@sbcglobal.net or Jim Adams at jim.adams@cmich.edu

The next Water Warriors membership meeting will be held at 7 p.m., April 22 at the VFW in New Baltimore.

Posted: 2010-04-13