SHAWNEE, Kan. — It's a test of strength. Teams compete to see who can pull a fire truck and a tactical vehicle the fastest.
It's all part of the Heroes Pull, an event benefiting Special Olympics Kansas. The event will take place on March 11 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Splash Cove Shawnee Pool.
"All of the money raised stays right here in Kansas with our athletes," said Corporal Jeremiah Water of the Merriam Police Department.
Corporal Water and Detective Virgil Henson started the event in 2012. That year, they raised $4,600 for Special Olympic Athletes.
To compete, the total weight of the competitors on the team can't exceed 1,500 pounds. While many of the teams are from local fire and police departments, anyone can compete. This year, there will be teams from local gyms, tow truck companies and a barber shop.
"As of right now we are expecting 20 to 25 teams to come out and pull those vehicles," said Waters. "We encourage anybody to come out, cheer on the participants. This really is what makes the event fun."
The people that are out there hooping and hollering for these guys and gals really gets them pumped up to do better. [And] we're planning to have teams of athletes out there from Special Olympics Kansas, and interacting with those athletes and people learning about what their abilities are is awesome."
Teams can register up until 2:15 p.m. the day of the competition, Sunday, March 11. The goal is to raise a total of $10,000.
This competition is part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Around 1,300 law enforcement officers throughout Kansas participate in events like this one that benefit Special Olympics Kansas.
Learn more about the Heroes Pull here.
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