Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run & Special Olympics Illinois to Host Second Annual Southern Plane Pull at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport

Join Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics Illinois for the Second Annual Southern Plane Pull at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, a exciting charity event supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities.

MASCOUTAH, Ill. (April 6, 2026) – The Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) and Special Olympics Illinois are excited to welcome back the Second Annual Southern Plane Pull at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport on Saturday, April 25. The high-energy fundraiser challenges teams of 10 to go head-to-head with a 22-ton GoJet aircraft in a tug-of-war–style competition. Teams will race against the clock to pull the 44,000-pound plane a distance of 12 feet in the fastest time possible. To participate, teams must raise a minimum of $500, with all proceeds benefiting Special Olympics Illinois and its year-round sports, health and leadership programming. Team registration for the Southern Plane Pull will remain open until the event begins. The deadline for event sponsorships is April 8.

The event will begin with an Opening Ceremony at 9:30 a.m., followed by the first team pull at 10:00 a.m. Activities will take place at the AVMATS Hangar, located at 8885 AVMATS Drive on the MidAmerica St. Louis Airport grounds. The Southern Plane Pull will feature divisions for law enforcement, public safety, corporate and community teams, bringing together participants of all backgrounds for a day of friendly competition and community impact.

“We are thrilled to bring the Southern Plane Pull back to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport for its second year,” said Pete Beale-DelVecchio, President and CEO of Special Olympics Illinois. “The incredible support from the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run, MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, St. Clair County, GoJet Airlines and our sponsors helps fuel opportunities for our athletes to train, compete and achieve their personal best, both on and off the field.”

The Southern Plane Pull is part of the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run’s signature fundraising efforts supporting Special Olympics Illinois. All proceeds from the event will go directly to support the mission of Special Olympics Illinois, which is to provide year-round opportunities in competitive sports, health education, leadership and personal development. 

Special Olympics Illinois supports an inclusive community of more than 29,000 active participants, which includes traditional athletes, Young Athletes, peer partners and Unified partners.  

“Special Olympics Illinois programming provides athletes moments to build confidence, support their physical fitness and form meaningful connections within their communities,” Beale-DelVecchio added. “Events like the Southern Plane Pull make that impact possible.”

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is once again pleased to serve as host for the event.

“We’re proud to have the Southern Plane Pull return to the AVMATS Hangar and to build on the momentum from last year’s inaugural event,” said Darren James, Director of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. “This fundraiser uniquely combines aviation, teamwork and community spirit while supporting an organization that makes a lasting difference across Illinois.”

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, GoJet Airlines and AVMATS are the Presenting Sponsors of the 2026 Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run Southern Plane Pull. 

Additional sponsors include Silver Sponsor First Community Credit Union; Bronze Sponsors Auffenberg Auto Group and Republic Parking; and Exhibitor Sponsor Prairie State Energy.

To register a team, become a sponsor, donate or volunteer, visit www.soill.org/plane-pull/.

About Special Olympics Illinois   

Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit sports organization offering year-round training and competition in 19 sports to a community of more than 55,000 traditional athletes, Young Athletes, Unified partners, coaches, volunteers and more. 

It strives to be a global leader in shaping a culture where people with and without intellectual disabilities are fully integrated into the community by providing year-round opportunities in competitive sports, health education, leadership and personal development.

If you are interested in being a part of Special Olympics Illinois and its vision, contact your local region, call 800-394-0562 or visit our website at www.soill.org. Follow Special Olympics Illinois on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and X. 

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