‘World’s Largest Truck Convoy’ to benefit Special Olympics

Special Olympics Illinois is proud to host the World’s Largest Truck Convoy (WLTC), which will be held on Saturday, July 16 at CIT Trucks Inc., located at 2120 Liebler Drive in Troy. The Special Olympics Illinois WLTC is part of an international event uniting more than 2,000 truckers in 16 states and six Canadian provinces. The unique partnership between law enforcement and truckers helps raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics, so athletes can continue to train in year-round sports activities.

The Troy WLTC will kick off at 5:15 p.m., with drivers checking in, followed by the Truck Convoy starting at 6:30 p.m. The convoy will travel approximately 25 miles along I-55 and I-270. Special Olympics athletes and families, the community, companies and law enforcement agencies will welcome the truckers as they return to CIT Trucks for dinner and a celebration complete with awards and raffles. Guests will be inspired by a speech from a Special Olympics Illinois Global Messenger / athlete.

“Special Olympics has a way of bringing everyone together, setting aside differences and building communities of acceptance,” said Katie Herriott of Special Olympics. “The fact that Special Olympics can bring together law enforcement officers and truckers is a testament to how the athletes of Special Olympics are a true inspiration.”

Officers involved in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics have made the WTLC one of their annual signature events and collectively raised over $1 million in 2015.

For more information or to register a truck ($100 minimum), visit www.soill.org/truck-convoy or call the Southern Regional Special Olympics office in Highland at 654-6680.

This story was originally published July 14, 2016 at 8:00 AM with the headline "‘World’s Largest Truck Convoy’ to benefit Special Olympics."