During the Special Olympics Michigan April Conference, the generous and supportive members of the Water Warriors presented a check for more than $59,000 to Special Olympics Michigan athletes. With much hard work, the Water Warriors doubled their contribution from last year.

The areas to receive a check from the Water Warriors included Areas 3 (Presque Isle, Montmorency, Alcona and Alpena Counties), 7 (Clare, Gladwin, Isabella and Gratiot Counties), 10 (Huron, Tuscola, Sanilac and St. Clair Counties), 14 (Macomb County), 15 (Oakland County), 23 (Wayne County), 31 (Iosco County), 33 (Emmet, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Otsego Counties) and 35 (Chippewa, Mackinac and Luce Counties).

"The entire organization really stepped it up this year, just an overwhelming team effort! We believe in Special Olympics Michigan athletes so much. I am extremely proud to be a Water Warrior," said Water Warriors Chairman Ann Plegue.

The Water Warriors are looking for new riders as well as land and boat support teams for the 2012 Ride on Sunday, July 22 through Sunday, July 27! Don't have a jet ski? Don't worry, you can still raise money for Special Olympics Michigan athletes and ride on the support boat!

The Water Warriors are men and women from all walks of life who have two things in common; their love of water sports and their desire to help people. The Water Warriors participate in a 5-day, 350-mile endurance ride on personal watercrafts (wave runner type machines) starting at Mackinaw City, riding the entire length of Lake Huron, the St. Clair River and culminating at Harsens Island, to raise money for the athletes of Special Olympics Michigan. The Water Warriors Personal Watercraft Endurance Ride began in 1991, an idea born by a member of the Wertz Warrior Snowmobile Endurance Ride, who believed overcoming the obstacles of Michigan's vast waterways and weather conditions could be conquered.

Thank you Water Warriors for your support of Special Olympics Michigan athletes!