NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Avelo Airlines and Special Olympics Connecticut are partnering once again to host the second Annual Plane Pull at Tweed-New Haven Airport on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
The event will benefit athletes of all abilities, as participants display their strength and support Special Olympics athletes by pulling an Avelo Airlines Boeing Next-Generation 737 airplane 20 feet, according to a release on Thursday from Special Olympics Connecticut.
Individuals on the team that pulls the 90,000-pound plane the fastest will win a free Avelo roundtrip ticket. Every member of the top fundraising team will receive a free Avelo roundtrip ticket as well. According to the release, teams of 20 people or more are recommended, and the minimum donation to participate is $2,000, or $100 per person.
“We look forward to building on the momentum, success and goodwill that was generated through last year’s Plane Pull and to having more community and corporate teams involved in this awesome event,” Special Olympics Connecticut President and CEO Mike Mason said in the release.
Mason added that it is a privilege to partner with Avelo Airlines and the airport in New Haven to “give participants power and purpose – and a unique, memorable way to help our athletes thrive and shine in sports and all they do.”
Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Levy said in the release that he is proud of the company’s partnership with Special Olympics Connecticut and grateful for the life-altering opportunities they provide their athletes.
“Working together as one crew is a core value at Avelo, and our partnership with Special Olympics Connecticut is a powerful expression of our unifying spirit of collaboration,” Levy said in the release. “This Plane Pull will not only be a fun day of teambuilding for organizations across the state but more importantly a demonstration of Connecticut pulling together for these inspiring athletes.”
Beyond presenting the Plane Pull for Special Olympics Connecticut, Avelo Airlines also has provided transportation for 50 athletes and delegates who attended the Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando in 2022 and hosted a send-off and welcome home celebration for them.
According to the release, Special Olympics Connecticut offers year-round sports training and competitions for over 12,000 athletes of all ages with intellectual disabilities.
Teams may register for the 2nd Annual Plane Pull at soct.org. For more information or help signing up a team, one can email specialolympicsct@soct.org or call 203-230-1201.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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