World’s Largest Truck Convoy
for Special Olympics
What started off as the Law Enforcement’s Torch Run for the Special Olympics, grew into a one-day celebration for the trucking industry to help raise funds for Special Olympics, thanks to Corporal Norm Schneiderhan of the Orange County (Florida) Sheriff’s Department. Inspired by impact the Special Olympics has had on his life; and through his family’s connection to the trucking industry - The World’s Largest Truck Convoy was created.
This year’s event will take place on Saturday, September 12 at Oak Bluff Recreation Hall. The event kicks off with a breakfast at 8 am, and the Convoy begins at 11 am. They will convoy around the perimeter; upon the return the convoy is welcomed by Special Olympics athletes, families, friends, colleagues, law enforcement community, and the organizations, companies and agencies that make up the industry. A celebration BBQ will be held to recognize the participating truck drivers and the support of the trucking industry towards this great cause.
How to participate
It’s easy to participate! Truck drivers simply donate a $100 in entry fee, and start collecting pledges. In 2008, more than 2,000 truckers participated in four Canadian provinces! Last year, for the Manitoba Convoy, Mike McFadden won the top honour of being the lead truck - in his first year participating! He enjoyed the event so much, that he has joined the planning committee this year.
Mark Van Schie, RCMP inspector and member of the local Law Enforcement Torch Run committee, is impressed by the generosity of Manitoba’s trucking industry. “These are very trying times economically for the trucking industry, yet drivers and companies are remarkably generous” he acknowledges.
Van Schie and McFadden both agree the event is very inspiring and beneficial not only to the athletes but to themselves too. “It’s all about the athletes” answers McFadden when asked why he participates. Van Schie adds “seeing the impact on Special Olympics athletes and their families, as a result of the opportunities created from their funds raised, is inspiring and uplifting. Once you’ve experienced that, you can’t help but be involved.”
Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by promoting understanding,
acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities. Through
year-round sports training and athletic competition and related programming for more than 2.25
million children and adults with intellectual disabilities in more than 150 countries, Special
Olympics has created a model community that celebrates people's diverse gifts.
For more information about the Manitoba World’s Largest Truck Convoy® event, visit the
Special Olympics Manitoba website at www.specialolympics.mb.ca or call any of the following:
- RCMP Inspector Mark van Schie: (204)984-3700, Manitoba Law Enforcement Torch Run Committee
- Terry Hopkinson: (204)925-5628 Special Olympics Manitoba Special Events Coordinator
- Geoff Sine: (204)632-6600, Manitoba Trucking Association.
 |
Manitoba Trucking Association Telephone: (204) 632.6600 Fax: (204) 694.7134 info@trucking.mb.ca |
