When is the 2024 Southwest Virginia Plane Pull?
The event will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport.
Do you need volunteers this year?
Yes! Volunteers are needed to make this event run smoothly. Sign up here: https://www.specialolympicsva.org/volunteer-at-plane-pull-sw
How do I sponsor the 2024 Southwest Virginia Plane Pull?
Thank you for your interest! We could not host this event without our generous corporate partners. The Plane Pull is a great event to give your organization great exposure while also supporting a PLANE amazing community organization.
Please contact Katelynn Howell or Mckenzie Dunford to schedule a meeting to learn how to support the over 21,000 athletes of Special Olympics Virginia.
Where do participants and attendees park?
Participant at 1410 Coulter Drive NW, Roanoke, VA 24012. Please follow all signage and directions to free event parking. The majority of parking is located less than a 3-minute walk from the event gate.
Where should volunteers park?
Volunteers should put 1635 Aviation Drive NW, Roanoke, VA 24012 into the GPS. Once you hit Wes Hillman Lane, follow the signs to Gate 18 parking lot.
What time do gates open and close?
Event Schedule is as follows:
10:00AM - Event Space/Check in Opens
10:30AM - Opening Ceremony
11:00AM - First Pull Window
12:30PM - 1PM - Last Pull Window
Closing/Awards to follow last PULL
Event expected to end before 2:00PM
What time should my team arrive?
All teams will be able to select a pull time window once they raise the minimum donation of $2,500 and their suggested event arrival time will be based on that.
Teams should plan to arrive on airport property an hour prior to their scheduled pull time window. This will give them ample time to park, walk to Plane Pull team check-in at Gate 20A, and have enough time for each Plane Pull participant to officially check-in before the team’s pull.
What can I bring with me?
Please note, bags are allowed in the event area, but only limited items are allowed on the Cargo Apron. If possible, please use small or clear bags as this is helpful for security. Bags for child care or medical care purposes are permitted.
Outside food and drink are allowed in the event space, however, there will be food options on site. Water is allowed inside the gate on the Cargo Apron for those who are pulling the plane, and in line to pull. Please do not bring any food inside the gate on the cargo apron. Thank you in advance
In addition, hats and sunscreen are encouraged. If there is rain in the forecast, ponchos and umbrellas are a must! We also suggest that all participants bring gloves with them for their turn to pull.
Can anyone join any team?
Anyone can create a team! A company, a club, a school, law enforcement etc. That said, individuals cannot participate with a team that they are not connected with. If you are interested in the event but cannot create a team please reach out to learn more about volunteering.
Where do we get our team incentives?
All incentives can be picked up at the incentives tent on-site at the event. Please note, hats and shirts are guaranteed for all teams that have reached incentive levels. In the case of a shortage, all items will be mailed post-event. The tent will have clear signage for participants.
Where should I meet my team?
Please connect with your team captain about where individual teams will meet. While it is totally up to each team, we typically recommend that teams gather adjacent to team check-in on the closed Cargo Road by Gate 20A. Team captains are welcome to bring a sign or a flag but since we are at an active airport, no balloons, please!
What if it rains?
This event is rain or shine but the event may be canceled due to extreme weather for your safety. Should lightning be sighted or other severe weather move into the Airport vicinity while the event is underway, please follow direction from on-site public safety officials. The Piedmont hangar will serve as an emergency weather shelter during the event.
How can I see the Plane Pull team schedule?
As the event nears, team captains are asked to select their competition window. Scheduled pull times are approximate windows. If you are uncertain when your team is pulling, please reach out to your team captain to confirm when you will be competing. The final pull schedule will be posted on the website once finalized.
How many teams can participate in Plane Pull?
As this is the first ever Southwest Virginia Plane Pull, our goal is to welcome 25 teams. If we have interest for more, we will evaluate as a staff and inform anyone after we reach 25.
How many people can be on a team?
The magic number of people that we know can pull a plane successfully is 25. Teams are welcome to come with as little as 10 people. We will have volunteers and our athletes fill the ranks to get you to 25. The Maximum number of people to pull is 25. If a team has more than 25 people interested in participating we suggest that they create 2 teams.
Who can participate in the competition?
The Plane Pull is open to anyone who registers, so grab your friends, coworkers, family, or anyone who wants to join in this meaningful fun. Corporate teams and organizations are encouraged to join, and sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Katelynn Howell or Mckenzie Dunford.
Does every participant need to register online?
Yes! Every person who plans to pull the plane on September 28th must register online with their team prior to arriving on-site at the event. This will ensure that your team can pull on time and not miss your window. Anyone that shows up on the day of who has not already registered will be required to do so at the event.
If your team needs assistance with the registration process prior to the event, please reach out to our team and we will be more than happy to help!
What is the minimum team donation?
Teams must raise a minimum of $2,500 to participate in Plane Pull and receive a hat (just think that's only $100 per person).
Teams that raise $5,000 by event day will receive an extra incentive, 25 event t-shirts! So set your goal SKY high to make a big impact on the lives of the over 21,000 Special Olympics Virginia athletes.
My team has cash and checks. Where do they go?
All "offline" funds can be sent to the Special Olympics Virginia Office:
Special Olympics Virginia
Attn: Southwest Virginia Plane Pull
3212 Skipwith Rd. Suite 100 Richmond, VA 23294
In order for them to count towards your event day total, they must be received in the office by September 15. Funds may also be turned at team check in on event day.
What if my team doesn’t raise the full $2,500?
In order to compete, all teams MUST raise $2,500. Any team that does not meet this minimum is welcome to pay the difference on-site at the event and/or attend the event as a spectator.
My team raised money but we’ve decided not to compete.
If your team raises the partial or full donation amount but does not compete, your current donation amount on the day of the event will still be collected to support Special Olympics Virginia’s athletes.