LONG BEACH – The ultimate man-versus-machine fundraiser for Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC), the 2018 Plane Pull, is back for its 13th annual run at the Long Beach Airport on August 18. Registration for the annual event is now open, and in search of participants to pull a 124,000 pound FedEx airplane 12 feet.
Teams or individuals can register at www.sosc.com/planepull. Registration for teams and individuals is also available on the day of the event. The cost per team is $1,250 ($50 per person). Registration for individuals is $50. All participants will receive a complimentary BBQ lunch and the official Plane Pull T-shirt.
“The first thing about the Plane Pull is that it is a very unique and fun way to support Special Olympics and our more than 34, 500 athletes,” said SOSC President and CEO Bill Shumard. “It is all about teams competing against each other to pull a plane as well as raise funds for our athletes.”
Representatives of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department with their trophy and plaque for winning the 2017 Plane Pull.
Prizes will be awarded for the fastest and slowest pull, as well prizes for the team and individual who raise the most money. Last year the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Custody Division team won with an impressive time of 5.10 seconds. The top individual fundraiser last year was Yosemite Hamilton and the top team was Kia of Cerritos. There is also a prize for the slowest time. It went to IDC Next with a time of 12.67 seconds.
“The Plane Pull has grown to be more than just pulling a plane,” said Shumard. “It is a family-friendly event, offering something for everyone. It is such a great way to be a part of our movement of inclusion and acceptance, while helping us serve more athletes, changing their lives, the lives of their families, and of the community. We want to thank everyone who is taking part in this year’s event, including our partners who help make this event happen.”
Event sponsors for this year’s Plane Pull include the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Southern California, Knights of Columbus, Long Beach Airport, California Highway Patrol, Long Beach Police Department, and the Los Angeles Port Police Department.
This year’s Plane Pull will include the inaugural Fun Run and Inclusion Walk presented by the Smile Generation, the High Flying Classic Car and Motorcycle Show, a Functional Fitness Competition, and a Kids’ Plane Pull.
The Fun Run and Inclusion Walk begins at 8:15 am and includes a 5K run and a two-mile walk. Registration is $25 prior to race day, $30 on race day. The event is limited to 500 participants. The car show is free for spectators and entry fees to show a vehicle are $30 and $25 for motorcycles. Discounts are available for early registration.
Join CrossFit Belmont Heights for our second annual Functional Fitness Competition. Here is the question…how many reps can you do in a minute of push-ups, sit-ups, burpees and air squats? The highest score in each exercise is the winner, with multiple categories.
August 19, 2017 – Special Olympics Southern California Kids’ Plane Pull at the Long Beach Airport.
There is more fun planned for the entire family. The Family Festival will include a BBQ lunch (free for participants), food and dessert vendors, plus face painting, a raffle that includes LA Rams/LA Chargers/LA Galaxy tickets, a dunk tank and of course the Kids’ Plane Pull of the CHP Cessna. There is also the annual FUNdrive. Bring bags/boxes of gently used clothing, shoes and household goods, and trade them for raffle tickets.
For more information and registration links to all events, visit SOSC.org/PlanePull.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Southern California has been involved in the planning and success of the Plane Pull since its inception in Southern California. Retired law enforcement officer Adam Christen has served as the event chair since it was brought to Long Beach in its second annual event. More than 10 law enforcement agencies compete every year to support Special Olympics Southern California.
ABOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Special Olympics Southern California enriches the lives of athletes with intellectual disabilities through sports, health, and leadership programs. Special Olympics helps athletes become more independent, build self-esteem, and live healthier lives. They inspire people to open their hearts and create more accepting and inclusive communities. All Special Olympics programs are free to the athletes and their families. Learn more at www.sosc.org.
ABOUT LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN
Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) is the largest public awareness vehicle and grass roots fundraiser for Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC). In 2017, more than 3,500 Southern California officers and 200 law enforcement agencies raised $1.3 million. LETR is changing the future for people with intellectual disabilities and lighting the way for acceptance and inclusion. For more information, visit: www.SOSC.org/LETR
#WeAreSOSC