September Beacon

Water Warriors Special Olympics Fund Raiser

On Monday July 29th, NCYC members LuAnn Cu rrie and Mary Rener departed Mackinaw City Harbor on their 11' personal watercraft with the Water Warriors to begin their 5 day, 415 mile journey to Brown's on Harsens Island, all in the name of Special Olympics Michigan. The 23rd Annual Water Warriors Mackinaw Ride brought a variety of weather and wave conditions for the group of 64 people that included the riders, boat support and land crew. The Water Warriors

members are greeted by groups of cheering Special Olympics athletes at many of their stops along the way and have a chance to interact with them throughout the week. Ron Currie and Megan Rener Klatt joined the group and participated the last day of the ride on their PWC's. Each rider commits to raising a minimum of $1,500 for Special Olympics if riding all 5 days, (or prorated per day for shorter rides.) Riders are assigned to support boats that lead them from stop to stop with spotters aboard & many safety rules in place. The land support crew follow along on land with all of the trucks & trailers, luggage trailer, mechanic & medical personnel. The group stops at every major harbor along the coast for fuel & meals. Every single detail of the ride is preplanned except for the weather. Businesses and organizations along their route donate many of their meals and also do fundraising throughout the year and present checks to the organization. Every stop brings a new experience. The teamwork of this group is phenomenal. Land support are at every stop to assist with fueling and handing out water & snacks to the riders. Most of the spotters aboard the support boats are members who have raised their money to obtain 'rider status' but cannot ride or do not want to ride a PWC. Their constant eye provides safety for the riders. As avid PWC riders, Mary & LuAnn were able to experience the thrill of riding the length of Lake Huron & the St. Clair River. Any weather or wave conditions are quickly overcome when riding into a harbor and getting a hero's welcome by the Special Olympics athletes, coaches and people from the towns. So far this year the Water Warriors have raised $94,000 of their $100,000 goal for Special Olympics! Fundraising continues until September 30th and the group is confident they will hit their goal. The 2014 ride departs Mackinaw on July 28th and welcomes new members. If you are interested in being a PWC rider, spotter on a support boat or part of the land support crew, please see the contact information below. They are also looking for 1 or 2 people who would be interested in bringing their boat on the ride as a support boat from Mackinaw on down.