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SALT LAKE CITY -- Competition begins next week for the 2010 Special Olympics USA. National Games in Lincoln, Neb. Every four years, athletes from all 50 states compete in a variety of events.
But first, they have to get there, and thanks to several hundred businesses and private pilots, the teams fly for free.
At the Million Air terminal at Salt Lake International Airport, two rows of Cessna Citations lined up side by side Saturday
Dozens of special Olympians posed for photos and peered inside in anticipation of a journey to the 2010 U.S.A. National Games.
"The largest peace time airlift in the world, and it's called the Citation Special Olympics Airlift," said Lyn Rees with Special Olympics Utah.
This is the sixth year of the Cessna Airlift. The first one took place in 1987. Citation owners donate their aircraft, fuel and pilots to get the athletes to the games every four years.
It's exciting to see all the young kids, athletes, excited to go. The only thanks we need is to see the looks on their faces and excitement.
–Jim Laub
This year, there are eight Utah companies providing their planes and pilots to transport 53 athletes and their coaches to Nebraska. Before leaving, there was a send-off party at the airport, where the athletes got to meet the pilots, had some food and took photos.
"It's exciting to see all the young kids, athletes, excited to go," said Jim Laub, president and CEO of Cache Valley Electric. "The only thanks we need is to see the looks on their faces and excitement. It's going to be a great cause and something we're proud to participate in."
Four years ago, 236 Citation owners hauled 1,500 athletes to the national competition. This year, it'll take 100 additional planes to bring in a total of 2,000 Special Olympians.
During the 12-hour airlift, Citations were taking off every 60 to 90 seconds from airports all across the country headed for Lincoln.
"It's just the satisfaction of donating to a great cause, you know," said Rod Baird, a pilot with Cache Valley Electric. "Being able to give our time to people who really appreciate it and who are anxious to do their part in the Olympics. It's just fun."
Next Saturday when the games wrap up, all those Cessna pilots will bring all the athletes and their coaches back home.
E-mail: kmccord@ksl.com
