Bryan and Roxanne Rollison heard about the ride that changes lives and decided to take part for the first time back in 2011. The Rollisons, from Waterford, have four children, including their young son Preston, who was born with Down syndrome. The enthusiasm of the Rollisons is contagious. The annual, 5-day, 350-mile Water Warriors Mackinaw Ride kicks off in Mackinaw City on Monday, July 29, 2013 at 7 a.m. The Water Warriors ride personal watercraft the entire length of Lake Huron and the St. Clair River before ending August 2 at Brown's Waterfront Bar on Harsens Island at noon.

Roxanne Rollison said, "We will be involved with Special Olympics Michigan the rest of our lives, so there is no better time to start getting involved. When we went to our first Water Warriors meeting in 2011, you could just tell how passionate the Water Warriors are about athletes and we are excited to be a part of the group. We hope to get other friends involved in the future." 

The endurance ride raises money for Special Olympics Michigan athletes. There are food, fuel and overnight stops in many communities along the way. The Water Warriors will also provide short, fun rides to Special Olympics Michigan athletes on Sunday, July 28 at 5 p.m. in the harbor area in Mackinaw City and on Wednesday, July 31 at 5 p.m. near the park in Port Austin.

The Water Warriors are a dedicated group of men and women from a variety of backgrounds, who dedicate a week away from work and other obligations, to raise money and awareness for children and adults in Michigan with intellectual disabilities who benefit from Special Olympics Michigan programs. The group of 60 members is made up of about 25-30 riders along with water and land support crew members. The riders follow three lead boats for safety.

Six of the Water Warriors have a child who competes in Special Olympics Michigan. The other riders and land support crew members participate out of their love of the water, and a desire to give back.

Riders can face extreme temperatures, and battle high waves and rough water. They do it all for athletes. Since the Water Warriors started in 1991, they have raised more than $2 million for Special Olympics Michigan athletes.