By: Matthew Harrell
Many people are familiar with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, now in its 27th year of existence. The event is widely successful with participants in 35 countries raising an impressive $30 million dollars in 2007 alone. But don’t worry, you don’t have to be able to run an 8k in order to support the Special Olympics. Thanks to the World’s Largest Truck Convoy program, you can support the Special Olympics’ efforts from the comfort of your truck cab.
The World’s Largest Truck Convoy was started by Norm Schneiderhan, a former truck driver turned police officer, in Orange County, Florida. The truck convoy lines up at the designated starting line and travels about 30 miles. The first event turned out to be a huge success with over 200 truckers participating in the event. After seeing the success of the event in Florida, other Torch Run locations decided to add the Truck Convoy to their events. In fact, Guinness World Records certified this event as the largest truck convoy in the world. Last year’s event was held in 38 locations worldwide and raised nearly $700,000 dollars for the Special Olympics.
One of the biggest promotions within the World’s Largest Truck Convoy is the “Lead Truck” promotion. Individuals or companies can bid on being the first truck in line. Some truckers consider leading the convoy such a privilege that they raise money year-round in order to win the auction. “A lot of the truckers that are involved in the event are active many, many weeks before the convoy by recruiting other truckers and recruiting donations from other companies,” stated Roy Forrest, VP of the Law Enforcement Torch Run/Special Olympics North Carolina.
This year’s event, to be held on September 20, 2008 looks to be even bigger than last year. Officials set this year’s participation goal at over 2,000 truckers nationwide. The best part about this event is how simple it is to get involved. Truckers that would like to get involved should log onto www.specialolympics.org, click on “Law Enforcement Torch Run,” and follow the link to the World’s Largest Truck Convoy page. A $100 minimum donation is required to participate, however, many company drivers can be reimbursed by their company for participation in the event. Be sure to visit the Special Olympics Web site listed above, follow the links for the World’s Largest Truck Convoy and help raise money for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
