Big rigs, big hearts, big results! It was an incredible show of support from over 45 Truck Drivers, 8 Truck Pull teams and the countless number of volunteers, donors and members of the public. Still don’t know what we are talking about? It’s the World’s Largest Truck Convoy for Special Olympics Saskatchewan!
The Truck Convoy brings together our compassionate army of truck drivers as law enforcement officers escort them down Highway 1 and Highway 11 to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Saskatchewan athletes and to help change attitudes toward people with intellectual disabilities.
Now in it’s 11th year, the convoy has become a “cannot-miss” event for many people. This year the excitement was huge as we spread the fun and increased awareness by adding a new route from Swift Current to Regina. With only 3 trucks coming out of Swift Current, the Convoy may seem small, the awareness was huge! Harold Robinson, Special Olympic Swift Current athlete, and employee at Austin’s Courier hit the ground running. In a little over a month, Harold raised over $1700 in pledges and secured the Lead Truck Position for Austin’s Courier.
“This is just the best day of my life,” said Robinson when reflecting on the day. Through tears, he spoke of how he did this for his swimming coach Victoria who passed away earlier this year.
Leading the Convoy from Saskatoon was long time Convoy participant, Gord Jacobs. He was among the people and companies that raised large pledges for Special Olympics Saskatchewan including Slinkemo and Conrad Nadeau with Q-Line Trucking.
With the help of people like Harold, Gord, and Conrad, the Convoy raised over $23,500!
The day ended with a celebration BBQ provided by Cervus Equipment – Peterbilt and served up by the Knights of Columbus. This year saw huge numbers of members of the public joining us to welcome our truckers and cheer on the pull teams.
This year's Truck Pull had 8 teams who competed to pull a 15-tonne truck, 15 meters in the fastest time. After an intense “Pull-off” between Investors Group and Creative Options Regina, Investors Group came out on top of the Co-Ed Category. The Male category was taken by Slinkemo. An incredible thank you to the brave team of Colliers Regina who did not crush the best time, but instead raised an incredible extra $1000 for their truck pull team!
We are so grateful for the LETR support we received from our friends at Regina Police Service, Moose Jaw PS, Saskatoon PS, RCMP, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, Ministry of Environment and Federal Corrections.
Special thanks to the following: Cervus Equipment Peterbilt, Jay’s Transport, Austin’s Courier, Slinkemo, 18-Wheels Training Services, Colliers Regina, SaskTel Centre, Loraas, Mike McGuire and everyone who supported the 2017 Truck Convoy!
We will see you all again next year!
