TRUCKERS AND SPECIAL OLYMPICS TEAM UP

In an attempt to maintain Guinness Book of World Records status, law enforcement and truck drivers throughout the United States and Canada will join forces to hold the World’s Largest Truck Convoy® for Special Olympics on Saturday, September 24, 2005. In Fort Wayne, a loop running to and from the International Center, 2701 S. Coliseum Blvd., will be lined with more than 100 trucks in a convoy to support Special Olympics athletes.‑The route will begin at the Intl. Cntr. and travel along State Route 930 East to I-469 North, then on to I-69 South and Lima Road and end on Coliseum Blvd.

The World’s Largest Truck Convoy is an international fundraising and awareness event and a unique partnership between law enforcement and truckers to raise funds for Special Olympics and its year-round sports programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Officers involved in the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special In 2004, the international event raised nearly $225,000.

“Special Olympics has a way of bringing everyone together, setting aside differences and building atmospheres of acceptance,” said Debbie Hesse, President and CEO of Special Olympics Indiana.

The Fort Wayne leg of the World’s Largest Truck Convoy is part of an international event that will unite more than 3,000 truckers in 30 U.S. states and Alberta and Ontario, Canada.‑On September 24, Indiana will see two legs of convoy: one in Fort Wayne and one in Indianapolis.‑Truckers participating in the Fort Wayne leg will traverse 23 miles round-trip to and from the International Center, where there will be a celebration event with live music, food and fun. All people are invited to attend the post-convoy celebration at the International Center will kick-off beginning at approximately 11:30 a.m.

The World’s Largest Truck Convoy was conceived in 2001 by Corporal Norm Schneiderhan, special project coordinator for the Orange County (Florida) Sheriff’s Department. Schneiderhan drove a truck for about three years in his father’s trucking company before he entered the field of law enforcement.‑He launched the event for Special Olympics as a way to call attention to the organization among truckers.‑

Trucking companies and truckers who want to participate in this year’s event can visit the World’s Largest Truck Convoy’s Web site at www.worldslargesttruckconvoy.com for more information and a registration packet for the event. The minimum donation to participate in the Special Olympics convoy is $100 per truck. Trucking companies bid additional sponsorship funds to win the coveted spot of leading the convoy.‑ Bids will be accepted for the lead truck position in the convoy starting at minimum bid of $250.‑

Vehicles eligible to participate in the World’s Largest Truck Convoy include semi-trucks, truck/trailer combinations, large trucks, low-boys, dump trucks, flat beds, buses, large tow trucks, large box trucks, etc.‑ All trucks entering the convoy must be of 10-GVW or larger.‑ No hazardous materials or trucks with alcohol or tobacco names or logos are permitted.