Former Detroit Tigers pitcher Mark ÒThe BirdÓ Fidrych (l-r) Matt Stock of Clinton Twp., Roy Helsner and Larry Tomenello joined fellow Wertz Warriors riders and organizers for lunch at the Fife Lake Inn on Wednesday, Jan. 31, on their way to the Special Olympics winter games at the Grand Traverse Resort. Photo by Heidi Berden

For the 14th year, Former Detroit Tigers pitcher, Mark Òthe BirdÓ Fidrych, who lives in Massachusetts rode as a warrior and continued to serve as their honorary chairman.

The group rode nearly 900 miles across Michigan, gathering donations during their seven day event. Every rider must raise $35,000 in order to participate.

According to Larry Tomenello of Harrison Twp., chairman of the event, the stop in Fife Lake has been a traditional stop on the way to the Grand Traverse Resort, where the winter games are held.

ÒItÕs a community that has opened up its heart,Ó Tomenello said of Fife Lake. ÒTonight, weÕll give the Special Olympics a check for approximately three hundred and eight thousand dollars.Ó

The group gives back 25 percent of the money raised to local Special Olympics organizations.

According to Roy Heisner of Lincoln, Mich., the warriors make four stops each day for seven days.

ÒWe start in Mt. Clemens but donÕt put the sleds down until we get to Skidway Lake, near Elger,Ó Heisner said.

Every member of the group has to pass a physical exam, before they ride.

ÒIÕll always be here until I die,Ó the 83-year-old Heisner said of the event. He has been involved since 1982 but no longer rides. ÒVic Wertz started it in 1982,Ó Heisner said. ÒHe died in Ô83. ÒThen, we had Bill Freehan, who was our honorary chairman. Joe Falls of the Detroit News is the one who named us Wertz Warriors.Ó

ÒItÕs fun,Ó Fidrych said. ÒItÕs better than last year. We got lucky. A buddy of mine told me there hasnÕt been much snow here this year.Ó Fidrych said the best part of the event is the people. ÒI like riding around and seeing how Michigan really supports its athletes,Ó he said.

ÒMark (Fidrych) is a real, realistic type of person,Ó Tomenello said. ÒHe doesnÕt look for recognition. HeÕd rather give recognition. HeÕs the one who says, ÔLet the games begin.Õ ÒHeÕs become an integral part of the group. HeÕs always ridden a sled.Ó Tomenello said he participates in the ride Òto give the kids their day in the sun.Ó