Pull a 90,000-pound CT Avelo Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft for 20 feet? They did.
The Shelton-based Procyon Pullers pulled a 90,000-pound Avelo Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft 20 feet in the fastest speed Tuesday: in 7.19 seconds
The event, in which Avelo Airlines joined forces with Special Olympics Connecticut, was a first-of-its-kind Plane Pull at Tweed-New Haven Airport to “benefit athletes of all abilities.”
The participating teams fundraised for Special Olympics and then challenged themselves to “pull an Avelo Airlines Boeing Next-Generation 737 jetliner 20 feet the fasted during the event,” organizers said.
The members of the winning team will be awarded a free Avelo roundtrip ticket, organizers said.
While Avelo Airlines was the presenting sponsor, and Tweed New Haven Airport acted as host, sponsors included: WWE, The Prospector Theater and Gemstone Farm, organizers said.
“Avelo is proud to partner with Special Olympics Connecticut for a second year in row. Today’s plane pull represents the very best of Connecticut,” Avelo Airlines founder, chairman and CEO Andrew Levy said in a statement.
“It is inspiring to see so many people pulling together for this life-changing organization. As inspiring as these plan-tugging teams are, they pale in comparison to the courage, teamwork and dedication of the Special Olympics athletes they are pulling for,” he said.
Avelo Airlines flies UConn men’s basketball team to Washington D.C.
Special Olympics Connecticut President and CEO Mike Mason said, also in the statement, “Today’s plane pull fundraiser has truly been an exciting and awesome event and an incredible display of support for our athletes.
“The collaboration and dedication displayed by event organizers and team members alike, demonstrates what can be accomplished with some muscle and a lot of heart,” he said. “We’re thankful for our partner Avelo Airlines, as well as host Tweed New Haven Airport and sponsors WWE, The Prospector Theater and Gemstone Farm for making sure this event got off the ground – and made a difference in the lives of our athletes. Today’s event shows our athletes and us all that even what may seem impossible is possible when many come together as one.”