An inaugural plane pull event raised thousands of dollars for Special Olympics Illinois Saturday.
The plane pull fundraiser at CIRA [Central Illinois Regional Airport] consisted of teams of 20 pulling a 47-ton plane a dozen feet in as short a time as possible. Teams had to raise at least $1,000 to enter, with the teams that raised the most money also being awarded.
Money raised was to support year-round programming for athletes with intellectual disabilities through Special Olympics Illinois, headquartered in Normal. The nonprofit provides support training, competition, health education and leadership opportunities for more than 29,000 athletes and participants statewide.
The plane pull event has before been held at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago and MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah, but Saturday was the first time it was held in Bloomington.
Teams enjoy the contest
There were 23 teams entered in the event, which helped to raise about $50,000. The goal was $35,000.
“I think it just really is nice to show all of our athletes locally here and across the state that we have their back,” said Michelle Mayer, a spokesperson for Special Olympics Illinois. “That we’re there to support them and provide opportunities for them where they can be a part of the community. And it's a really great time to see that all with everybody here together.”
The plane pull was also part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run [LETR], where statewide police organizations volunteer time to support Special Olympics athletes. Both the Bloomington and Normal Police Departments participated in the plane pull with their own teams.
“It's awesome raising money for their athletes, so that they can do all of the different events that happen throughout the year,” said Darien Bachman, an officer with Normal PD.
Bachman said his team, which consisted of officers, their family members and a few Illinois State University football players, finished in 5.9 seconds.
“It was heavier than I thought,” said Bachman.
“We’re very excited,” said Brian Plath before his team, Sneaker Box, pulled. The team raised about $3,500 to enter.
“We got a really good group of people together that care about the cause and care about supporting the community . . . so we're getting ready and getting amped up and strategizing to have a good pull.”
Plath has done some volunteering and coaching for the Special Olympics in the past.
“To see the impact that it has on athletes, their families in the community, and to give them the opportunity to compete at the highest level for fun. It does wonders for the heart and does wonders for our community,” said Plath.
Athletes represent
Sandy Froman is an athlete leader who spoke about the importance of supporting the Special Olympics program at the beginning of the event.
“I feel like it was very important to get the word out there for other athletes with disabilities that can come and compete and sign up,” said Froman.
For more than four decades, Froman has been an athlete participating in sports activities like bowling and swimming. She also got to join a few plane pull teams that were short on team members.
“It was great; it was fun,” said Froman.
