2024 Heroes Pull

The Heroes Pull was started by two Police Officers from neighboring agencies, one from Shawnee Police Department, one from Merriam Police Department. The idea came about while the two officers were at the International Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference. The officers came back and began planning the event. The event is held in Shawnee KS. The first year (2012) the event was planned in about three months and raised more than $4600 for Special Olympics. Since 2012, this event has raised more than $65,000 for the athletes of Special Olympics Kansas.

The Heroes Pull is a fundraising event for Special Olympics Kansas. The event is part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run campaign for Special Olympics. In the Heroes Pull, each team pulls two different public safety vehicles, a Lenco Bear and a fire truck. Each vehicle weighs about 30,000 lbs. The vehicles are pulled individually for time. The two times are combined and the team with the quickest combined time wins. There is an optional third pull in which each team may compete using the least number of people to pull the vehicle for the fastest time.

Each team’s combined weight cannot exceed 1500 lbs. The Heroes Pull is open to Police, Fire, EMS, Military, Civic leaders, High School / College Sports Teams, Corporations, Small Businesses, and anyone else that wants to get a team together and be a Hero for Special Olympics.

All of the money raised in this event stays in Kansas with Special Olympics Kansas. The money benefits Special Olympics Kansas athletes by providing individuals with intellectual disabilities an opportunity to train and compete in sports and fitness programs.

Each year, over 5,500 athletes compete with an eye on the gold in an array of 20 sports ranging from basketball to skiing to track to bowling. These competitions mean more than just medals to our athletes, but an opportunity to celebrate their abilities.

Contact Jake with any questions about the 2024 Heroes Pull at lamunyonj@soks.org