Pull a plane to benefit Special olympics Illinois
Ever dreamed of getting your hands on an Airbus A300 aircraft?
Teams can still register for the Plane Pull, a unique Special Olympics Illinois fundraiser starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 at O’Hare International Airport.
It features teams of local law enforcement agencies and the general public in a tug-of-war against a UPS Airbus A300 aircraft weighing more than 180,000 pounds.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run Plane Pull includes teams from law enforcement agencies, fire departments, private companies, high schools, colleges, fraternal groups and teams of friends and family. The opening ceremony is at 8:30 a.m.
“It’s great to see people supporting Special Olympics programs in Illinois and we’re excited to see them test their strength against a 90-ton airplane,” said Matt Johnson, Special Olympics Illinois Director of Special Events-Torch Run.
“In addition to those participating in the Plane Pull, we encourage family and friends to join in the spirit by supporting their loved ones and Special Olympics programs by making a donation to Special Olympics Illinois by visiting www.illinoisplanepull.com.”
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Lynxs Cargo Area at O’Hare, where team captains turn in their donations and pick up their T-shirts and other materials.
New teams can still sign up that morning.
Teams will compete in two divisions. The Open Division is ideal for companies, school teams, church groups, clubs, friends and families.
The Public Safety Division is for law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, DNR, DOC and military personnel.
Each team of 20 will attempt to pull the plane 20 feet, with the top finisher from each division facing off for one final pull to determine the Grand Champion.
Each team is asked to raise a minimum of $1,000 ($50 per person) for Special Olympics Illinois. Teams raising more will be eligible for incentive prizes at the $2,500, $4,000 and $6,000 levels.
“On behalf of Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Department of Aviation, I want to thank the Law Enforcement Torch Run committee and Special Olympics Illinois for holding this spectacular event at O’Hare International Airport for the fifth consecutive year,” said Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Rosemarie S. Andolino.
“We are very proud to continue to support Special Olympics Illinois in its mission to provide year-round sports training and competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities.”
Eric Smith, Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run director and the police chief of Sherman, IL, said this fundraiser is a perfect fit for law enforcement officers who want to get involved in the Torch Run.
“All year long, officers are raising money and awareness through events like this for our charity of choice — Special Olympics Illinois.”
UPS is the presenting sponsor of the 2013 Law Enforcement Torch Run Plane Pull. Other sponsors are the Chicago Department of Aviation, city of Chicago and HMS Host and Durham School Services.
Because Special Olympics athletes compete free, all money raised by the Plane Pull will directly assist with their training and competition.
To learn more about Special Olympics Illinois, volunteering or providing financial support, call (800) 394-0562 or visit www.soill.org.