WINNIPEG -- In 2008, more than 2,000 truckers in four Canadian provinces took part in the World’s Largest Truck Convoy, raising funds for the 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.

Corporal Norm Schneiderhan of the Orange County (Florida) Sheriff’s Department was inspired by the 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 in Manitoba will be held on Sept. 12 at the Oak Bluff Recreation Hall. The convoy will drive around the perimeter and will be welcomed by Special Olympics athletes, families, friends, colleagues, law enforcement community, and the organizations, companies and agencies that make up the industry.

In Ontario the WLTC will be held on Sept. 19 at the Paris Fairgrounds in Paris, Ont. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Ontario leg of the convoy, but perhaps more importantly it’s the 40th anniversary of Special Olympics Canada.

“It is also interesting to note that Ontario is the true birthplace of the Special Olympics,” adds Tammy Blackwell, organizer of the Ontario event. “It was the research of Dr. Frank Hayden that sparked the interest of Eunice Kennedy Shriver to foster the concept that came to be Special Olympics.”
 

A list of contacts for all the Canadian events can be found here.