CHICAGO () — More than 110 teams descended on O’Hare International Airport to pull a United Airlines 737 by hand during the annual O’Hare Plane Pull, a fundraiser supporting Special Olympics Illinois.
Teams of up to 20 people were challenged to move the aircraft, which weighs more than 95,000 pounds, across a 12-foot distance as quickly as possible. Each team was required to raise at least $1,000, with the money going toward Special Olympics Illinois sports programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities throughout the state.
An opening ceremony launched the event, now in its 18th year at O’Hare.
“The number one thing athletes tell us is, it’s where my friends are, it’s where my community is. So that’s really what raising money, like through the plane pull, gives out athletes. It’s that sense of community,” said Pete Beale-DelVecchio, president and CEO of Special Olympics Illinois.
Throughout the day, teams rotated through the course, using a mix of strength, strategy and coordination to get the plane moving.
“You have to have a little bit of a strategy. You want to have the rope ready to go. But really, it’s communication, working together, talking to each other and being out here to have some fun together,” said Stacey Wronkowski, United Airlines’ vice president of digital technology, who took part in the fundraiser.
Bill Devine, director of the Law Enforcement Torch Run and a parent of a Special Olympics athlete, said the event reflects the community’s strong support for athletes and their families.
“For me, I have no excuse not to do what I do. But when you see people like today, we’ll have over 2,000 people come out to pull a plane. They don’t have to do it but they’re coming out and supporting not only the athletes but our families. And to a father of one, it means the world,” Devine said.
Devine also offered participants a simple tip for tackling the massive aircraft.
“Don’t use your arms. A lot of people want to try pulling a plane with your arms, you’re never going to do it. You’ve got to use your legs,” Devine said.
Organizers said the O’Hare Plane Pull offers benefits beyond fundraising, giving athletes opportunities to form friendships and feel connected to their community.
“It means that, it means a lot to us athletes. We appreciate all of you,” said Sophia Snow, a Special Olympics Illinois athlete.
For the participating teams, the plane pull is a test of speed and strength. For Special Olympics athletes, organizers said, its impact reaches far beyond the airport runway.
“You can do it if you have the might,” Snow said. When asked whether she had the might, she answered, “Yes I do!”
The annual event united teams in a demanding display of strength and teamwork while raising money to support Special Olympics athletes across Illinois.
