Plane pull fundraiser for Special Olympics
September 24, 2016,
JACKSON COUNTY --There was an unusual game of tug-of-war at the Southern Illinois Airport Saturday, all to benefit the athletes of Special Olympics.
Teams of eight people had to work together to try and pull a 737 aircraft (pictured) - twelve feet. Fifteen teams from all over southern Illinois and the metro-east participated. This is the first time a plane pull has been held in our region, but organizers describe it as the perfect place for one.
"With SIU and the aviation program, it's a perfect opportunity to do it, get the exposure with the university and the student population as well as the community," explained Sgt. Chad Beights with the SIU Police Department.
The event raised a total of $25,000. That money will fund the Special Olympics so that local athletes can compete for free.
