Wertz Warriors

Hi, I’m Jeremy, and this summer, I’ll be taking on the exhilarating Water Warriors endurance ride from East Tawas to Lake Saint Clair—to raise essential funds for Special Olympics Michigan athletes.

Why I'm Riding:

I believe deeply in celebrating every individual's courage, resilience, and joy—values that define the incredible athletes of Special Olympics. Almost 200 miles on Lake Huron and Michigan’s waterways isn’t just a physical challenge; it’s my pledge to support athletes who face daily life with unwavering determination and a champion’s spirit.

The Impact of Every Donation:

Training & Competition: Your contribution supports year-round sport training and vital competition opportunities—at no cost to athletes and their families.

Inclusion & Community: You help create moments of pride, teamwork, and belonging—whether at local events or large-scale state competitions.

Health & Wellness: Funds extend to healthy athlete initiatives, wellness screenings, and equipment—empowering both mind and body.

What to Expect from My Ride:

Riding 50–100 miles daily across diverse and sometimes tough conditions.

Stopping at community hubs for athlete meet-and-greets, smiles-on-dock moments, and shared triumphs.

Serving alongside dedicated fellow Water Warriors—riders, land, and water teams—all united by service and compassion.

Thank You

Together, we can go farther—raising funds, hope, and pride. Your support empowers athletes to achieve, to inspire, to shine. Please consider donating today and joining me in celebrating every athlete's potential.

I am Joe Wallace and a Special Olympic athlete. I am trying to raise funds for Wertz Warriors. I also belong to the Water Warriors and we travel from Tawas to Algonac with stops along the way to give athletes rides on ski doos ect.. Any donation you can give is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

The Water Warriors team consists of PWC Riders and Support Crew members on land and boat from across the State of Michigan. This year’s Water Warriors ride is in honor of Ann Plegue and Jerry Markel, we will be riding 170 miles over 2 days from Tawas to Algonac. This will be my 11th year with the Water Warriors, and I am proud to continue to support and raise funds for Special Olympics Michigan.

Hi everyone! My name is Richard Wallace, and I’m raising money for a cause that means a lot to me. I've been involved in Michigan Special Olympics for 40 years now. 10 years ago my son Joe. (Special Olympics Athlete) Joined Water Warriors to help raise funds to support these programs. Any amount you can donate would be greatly appreciated. We are also honoring our members we lost this past year Ann Plegue and Jerry Markle. We are now working with Wertz warriors to reach out goals.

Wertz Warriors

The organization shall operate and receive and administer fund specifically and exclusively for charitable and educational purposes including, but not limited to, raising and contributing funds for the Special Olympics of Michigan

Every contribution, big or small, makes a real impact. Even just a few dollars can help move this mission forward and reach those who need it most.

If you can’t donate right now, sharing this fundraiser is also incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity. It means the world to me.

Al Melfi – Wertz Warrior

I am once again, for my 12th straight year, proud and privileged to participate in raising money for Special Olympics MI. The Wertz Warriors embark annually on a seven-day Snowmobile Endurance Ride to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Michigan. We will stop at over 35 locations along the grueling 900-mile route to collect additional funds for the Special Olympics Michigan State Winter Games. One of the trip's highlights is when we arrive in Traverse City on Wednesday to be part of the SOMI Winter Games opening ceremonies.

Celebrating our 44rd year in 2025, the Wertz Warriors have traveled over 30,000 miles and raised well over $13,000,000 to support the State Winter Games, athletes and teams of Special Olympics Michigan. As always, I rely on the generosity of my friends and family to reach my fundraising goals. I hope that, once again, I can count on your support. You can also help by sharing this page with your friends and family as well. Thanks again and may God bless you for your caring and support! - Al Melfi

We are once again proud and privileged this year to participate in raising money for Special Olympics Michigan. This year is extra special for us as this is the first year after we joined Leo Ottersen to our family. Leo was born with Down Syndrome in July and after 3 months at UofM Children's Hospital, he is home, healthy, and happy!

Nathan will also be joining us for his rookie year!

The Wertz Warriors embark annually on a seven-day Snowmobile Endurance Ride to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Michigan. In February, we will begin the journey at over 35 locations along the 900-mile route, raising additional funds along the way for the Special Olympics Michigan State Winter Games.

The Wertz Warriors will be celebrating our 44th Anniversary in 2025. We have collectively traveled over 1.5 million miles and have raised over 13 million dollars, supporting Special Olympics-MI Winter Games. As always, we rely on the generosity of my friends and family to reach my fundraising goals. We hope that once again we can count on your support.

Contributions can be made by sending a check to Wertz Warriors (tax exempt number is 81-4663709), and mailing it to 3855 Oakland Drive, Bloomfield Hills, Mi 48301 or through GoFundMe.

Thank you once again for your past support and may 2025 bring peace, happiness and success to you and your loved ones.

Below are photos from last year along with the promotional video.

I am raising money to support the Special Olympics Michigan-Winter Games. Wertz Warriors raises money by riding their snowmobiles to fund-raising partners all over Michigan. Please consider supporting this worthwhile cause.

This is my 10th year riding with the Wertz Warriors, and every year I see the effect of your donations in the athletes' smiles. Thank you!!!

I am preparing to ride for the 11th year as part of my commitment to the Wertz Warriors and the Athletes of Special Olympics Michigan! We are a little like the post office - we ride no matter what! (last year we rode in vans ; -)

Please supporting my efforts to raise funds and awareness for this great cause. All donations on this page go directly to the Wertz Warriors, a 501-C3 non profit. The Warriors help underwrite the cost of the Special Olympics Michigan State Winter Games, donating over $350,000 annually!

Thanks in advance for your support! The ride will be February 2-8, 2025. Watch my Facebook during that week for photos and updates!

Al Melfi – Wertz Warrior

I am once again, for my 11th straight year, proud and privileged to participate in raising money for Special Olympics MI. The Wertz Warriors embark annually on a seven-day Snowmobile Endurance Ride to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Michigan. We will stop at over 35 locations along the grueling 900-mile route to collect additional funds for the Special Olympics Michigan State Winter Games. One of the trip's highlights is when we arrive in Traverse City on Wednesday to be part of the SOMI Winter Games opening ceremonies.

Celebrating our 43rd year in 2024, the Wertz Warriors have traveled over 30,000 miles and raised well over $12.5 Million to support the State Winter Games, athletes and teams of Special Olympics Michigan. As always, I rely on the generosity of my friends and family to reach my fundraising goals. I hope that, once again, I can count on your support. You can also help by sharing this page with your friends and family as well. Thanks again for your caring and support!

Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit Wertz Warriors, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about Wertz Warriors: The organization shall operate and receive and administer fund specifically and exclusively for charitable and educational purposes including, but not limited to, raising and contributing funds for the Special Olympics of Michigan

Al Melfi – Wertz Warrior

I am once again proud and privileged this year to participate in raising money for Special Olympics MI. The Wertz Warriors embark annually on a seven day Snowmobile Endurance Ride to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Michigan. We will stop at over 35 locations along the grueling 900 mile route to collect additional funds for the Special Olympics Michigan State Winter Games. One of the highlights of the trip is when we arrive in Traverse City on Wednesday to be part of the opening ceremonies of the Winter Games.

Celebrating our 41st campaign in 2022, the Wertz Warriors have traveled over 30,000 miles and raised over $11 Million to support the State Winter Games of Special Olympics Michigan. As always, I rely on the generosity of my friends and family to reach my fundraising goals. I hope that once again I can count on your support. You can also help by forwarding this link to your friends and family as well! Thanks again for your caring and support!