Wake the World Michigan

09/10/2026

Our next big thank you goes to the Grand City Show Skiers for allowing us to use some of their custom skis - such an undeniable part of the success of this year's adaptive event.

Our side skiers put in the WORK to help keep our athletes steady and supported out on the water, and having Grand City's custom skis made that job so much easier. They were a total game changer for our team. More stability, less strain on the side skiers, and less splash for the athlete. A huge advantage for all involved!

When I first reached out to the director, Nick, I honestly felt like I was making a pretty bold ask by requesting to borrow equipment so custom and specialized. It could take years for us to save up and receive an order of custom skis like this. His response? "Whatever you need, we'll make it happen." No hesitation. No questions. Just an immediate willingness to help.

That kind of generosity means more to us than we can put into words.

We are so incredibly thankful for the people and organizations in our community who don't just support what we're doing from the sidelines, but jump in and help make it happen. The Grand City Show Ski Team was exactly that kind of supporter.

Without groups like Grand City, and all of the incredible people who continue to show up for our athletes, we truly could not do any of this.

Thank you for trusting us with your equipment, believing in what we're building, and helping us give our athletes the best possible experience on the water.

We're so grateful to have you in our corner.

09/10/2026

A HUGE thank you to Rise Therapy & Wellness for being such an incredible part of our Wake the World Adaptive Waterski event this year!

From the very beginning, the Rise team has shown such unwavering enthusiasm and support for what we're doing, and we're so grateful that they continue to show up for our athletes in so many different ways.

From in-water support, to helping with emotional regulation on land, to simply being there for some good-hearted conversations in between rides - we absolutely LOVED having the Rise team alongside us this year.

Your support helps create an environment where our athletes can feel safe, supported, encouraged and celebrated - both on and off the water.

We're so thankful to have you in our Wake the World family, and we can't wait to see what we can do together in the future!

07/24/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Certain Hope Community for providing their incredible Dignity Trailer for our Adaptive Water Ski Day.

For many of our athletes and families having access to a fully accessible restroom, fit with
A/C and a padded changing table, made all the difference. It's one of those things that can easily be overlooked - but for the families who needed it, it meant comfort, dignity, and the ability to fully enjoy the day.

Certain Hope was founded by parents who saw a need and chose to do something about it. That heart for serving families shined through in such a meaningful way, and we are so grateful they stepped in to help make our event more accessible for everyone.

Thank you for helping every athlete and family feel seen, supported, and welcomed. 💙

07/24/2026

A special thank you to Leaders RPM for their continued commitment to our athletes and for helping take the safety of our adaptive event to the next level!

You’ll spot them in the background of almost every photo - riding alongside every adaptive water ski run, always ready to respond. While they may not be the focus in every picture, their presence certainly did not go unnoticed.

Their team didn’t just show up - they elevated our entire emergency plan. Graciously donating a rescue sled, giving us even greater capabilities to respond quickly - helping ensure the safest experience possible for everyone on the water.

Thank you, Leaders RPM Team, for your professionalism and unwavering commitment to keeping all of us safe. One ride at a time!

07/24/2026

There are some days that remind you exactly what community is all about. 💙

Our adaptive day was a huge success - 18 adaptive athletes and 60 volunteers came together to enjoy the most beautiful summer day. Every smile, celebration, and “one more ride” was made possible because people chose to show up for one another.

The unofficial motto of the day became “just one more ride” - as the good times just kept coming, both the athletes and volunteers just kept going!!

One more ride with friends. One more memory that will last a lifetime.

To every athelte who trusted us, every family who cheered from shore - thank you. To every volunteer who gave their time and every boat crew who came together to make the impossible, possible - thank you.

Every person who came to be a part of our Wake the World family - you are the season this day continues to grow into something much bigger than a day on the lake.

Until next year…🌊

07/21/2026

Our hearts are so full…WTW Michigan today was such a special day from the very start. Thank you to every single volunteer who hauled their boat, served on shore, or helped on a boat! You gave a great group of kids a fantastic day on the water- sharing water sports and making so many wonderful memories. Seeing the smiles and laughs on so many people’s faces was the best!

Thank you to Mercantile Bank and NEDs on Gull Lake Metro Toyota Steensma Lawn & Power Equipment Acme Propellers media Portland Products, LLC for making this day possible. Until next year ya’ll!!

05/25/2026

Today we honor the U.S. military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country. Their courage will never be forgotten. Happy Memorial Day!

05/13/2026

WE NEED HELP TO MAKE THESE TWO DAYS POSSIBLE!

Sponsor Food • Shirts • Experiences

Wake the World Michigan will be here in July, and we’re still looking for awesome sponsors to help cover:

👕 Event shirts
🌭 Food & drinks
🙌 Participant and volunteer support

It takes a LOT of sunscreen, food, and generosity to pull off two amazing days on the water!
Donate here at:
Wake the World Michigan (Monday): https://www.waketheworld.org/michigan-west
Wake the World Michigan Adaptive (Tuesday):
https://www.waketheworld.org/michigan-east

05/06/2026

Registration for Wake the World Michigan on Monday, July 20 is now open!

Monday July 20, 2026 Gull Lake Prairieville Township Park, Hickory Corners, Michigan (15469 M-43, Hickory Corners, MI 49060) 9:00 a.m. Arrival time for attendees Ideal for ages 10+ Family members and guardians are welcome to join us on shore or on the boats. Please note that seating on the boats is....

05/03/2026

ADAPTIVE ATHLETES & SUPPORTERS, THE TIME IS HERE!!
Registration for our 2026 Adaptive Water Ski event is now open! ✅
Click the link below to sign up — whether you're joining as an athlete or a volunteer.
Please reach out to Alexa with any questions or concerns. We cannot wait to see you out there!

(Please note: Monday's event registration will be posted in a separate link.)

Want to support even more? Send us a message — we’ll share how you can donate or sponsor! 💙

Hello WTW Adaptive Family! We are so excited to host another beautiful day of adaptive water sports. For those who are new, Wake the World is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, completely volunteer run and donor funded. Our event provides adaptive water sports opportunities to individuals with disabilities - c...