HARRINGTON — Nearly 200 truck drivers from across the state and region will converge at the Delaware State Fairgrounds on Saturday, Sept. 23, to take part in a police-escorted 29-mile scenic ride through Kent County.
Drivers mingle and enjoy breakfast beginning as early as 8:30 a.m. followed by a short program at 9:30. Trucks depart the Fairgrounds at 10:30 a.m. and do not return following the convoy.
The Truck Convoy, celebrating its 21st year, is part of a national effort to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics. Here in Delaware, more than 4,200 athletes of all ages participate in a year-round program of sports training, competitions, and health-related activities. In 2021, 186 trucks participated in the event.
Delaware’s event is organized by Delaware Law Enforcement, with Walmart and Perdue serving as presenting sponsors. In addition to the Fairgrounds and Delaware Law Enforcement, supporters include the City of Harrington, Delaware Department of Transportation, Delaware Electric Co-Op, WBOC 16, WRDE and Fox 21 Delmarva.
“As we enter the third decade of this event, we continue to be amazed by the outpouring of support from the trucking community from both near and far,” said Corinne Plummer, director of special events for Special Olympics Delaware. “The amount of money raised is spectacular, but what’s just as important is the opportunity for the truckers to meet our athletes who are at the event serving in volunteer roles and cheering them on as they leave the fairgrounds. The drivers will tell you that meeting the athletes is their biggest thrill and why they continue to support this event year after year.”
Nationally, the Truck Convoy was founded in 2001 by Norm Schneiderhan, a corporal with the Orange County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Department. Schneiderhan, whose family is involved with the trucking industry, was inspired by the powerful impact Special Olympics has had on his life through his participation in the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
For more information, visit SODE.org and click on the Truck Convoy banner at the bottom of the page.
