By Lorrie Ross
Staff Writer
Five of Clay County’s finest traveled to Raleigh this past weekend — all for the chance to use their hands to pull a 40,000 pound airplane, while raising money for North Carolina’s Special Olympics. Not only did the team from Clay County Sheriff’s office take second place, they were part of a state-wide event which raised more than $140,000 for North Carolina Special Olympics.
In addition to Sheriff Bobby Deese, the airplane-pulling team was comprised of Corporal Donovan Byers, Detention Lieutenant Donovan Burke, Lieutenant Tyler Faggard and Sergeant Bryan Forsyth. On Saturday, Oct. 29, the men gathered with law enforcement officers from all over North Carolina for the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
The Clay County team competed against 59 other teams at the UPS terminal of the Raleigh/Durham airport. Each five person team had the opportunity to pull the plane 25 feet. The teams are timed and those who pull the airplane the distance in the least amount of time are the ones who take home the trophy.
“It’s been such a blessing for our office to be involved with the Special Olympics,” Sheriff Deese said. “My only regret is that we didn’t get involved sooner. It’s an amazing organization that does great things for their athletes.”
According to Clay County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Tabi Sellers, there are several divisions of the statewide Special Olympics events. The plane-pulling event has been held at the UPS Terminal for more than 20 years and most of the other teams had competed in the event prior. “Our guys competed in the Law Enforcement division. Their time was the second fastest out of all the teams,” she said. “I’m so proud of them. They came in second after never having done this before and came in ahead of teams that have done this for years.
The website for Special Olympics North Carolina shares, “Special Olympics offers sports training and competition in 20 Olympic-type sports to nearly 40,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities. Athletes train for a minimum of eight weeks with an average 1-2 practices per week. Sports competition is available for eligible athletes 8 years old and older and there is no age limit.”
“The Plane Pull is a unique event which requires the team to work together pulling the plane, but also fund-raising. Each five-person team must raise a minimum of $800 total by the event date.” Sellers said the officers raised money by selling Special Olympics T-shirts.