Special Olympics Illinois Challenges You to the Play the Ultimate Game of Tug-of-War

Teams of local law enforcement agencies and the general public are being sought to participate in a larger than life tug-of-war challenge in the Law Enforcement Torch Run Plane Pull on Saturday, Sept. 27. They will face off with a UPS Airbus A300 aircraft weighing more than 180,000 pounds at O’Hare International Airport, for the benefit of Special Olympics Illinois.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run Plane Pull includes teams from law enforcement agencies, fire departments, private companies, crossfits, gyms, high schools, colleges, fraternal groups and teams of friends and family. The event begins at 8:30 a.m.

Each team of 20 will attempt to pull the plane a distance of 12 feet, with the top finisher from each division facing off for one final pull to determine the Grand Champion team. To participate, 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.

Teams will be divided into three different divisions - Open Division is ideal for companies, school teams, church groups, clubs, friends and families, Public Safety Division is for law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, DNR, DOC and military personnel and the brand new Hotel Division created by popular demand.

Registration is open online at soill.donordrive.com.

Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Lynxs Cargo Area at O’Hare International Airport and team captains can turn in their donations and pick up their T-shirts and other materials. New teams can still sign up that morning.

UPS is Presenting Sponsor of the 2014 Law Enforcement Torch Run Plane Pull. Other sponsors are Chicago Department of Aviation, City of Chicago, HMS Host, Durham School Services and TD Ameritrade. Because Special Olympics athletes compete free of charge, all money raised by the Plane Pull will directly assist in their training and competition.