Some of Yellowknife's strongest took turns pulling a 30,000 pound jet plane 30 feet along a runway on Saturday, a feat of strength in support of a local cause.
It was the 11th year of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Plane Pull, a fundraiser organized in support of Special Olympics NWT. This year the pull raked in $7,300, which will go to facilities and equipment for the organization which runs bowling, swimming, gymnastics, speedskating and other fitness activities for residents with an intellectual disability.
Amanda MacKinley came out for the first time as a member of the only women's team to compete. Her team, the Clark Builders Lady Hammers, pulled the plane in 16.42 seconds.
“It is a little nervewracking, you feel like its not going to move and then it starts moving and you just giver',” she said after the pull.
Kelton Broome has been a Special Olympian for eigh years. The 21-year-old participates in swimming and this year, he became one of the first men to participate and medal in rhythmic gymnastics at provincials in Medicine Hat.
“If I didn't have Special Olympics in my life I don't want to know about it,” he said Saturday, adding the experience gives him “energy, amazing friends and lots of awesome times.”
Broome's mom Barb Kardash said Special Olympics has given Kelton the ability to find acceptance and be able to show more of his personality.
“For a lot of our guys, growing up, they just didn't have a chance to be part of a team,” she said. “They were different, maybe a little socially awkward ... Special Olympics allows these guys to have activity, to learn how to make friends, to learn how to be responsible and part of a team.”
The 10 teams brought in $7,300 collectively, with the Clark Builders Hammers bringing in the most money per team at $3,700. Dave Brothers raised $1,850, the highest amount raised by an individual.
Lynn Elkin, executive director of Special Olympics NWT, said there are athletes from three-years old to seniors who compete in eight different sports locally, across the territory and nationally.