WINNIPEG, Man. –Manitoba truckers hit the highway in droves over the Sept. 12 weekend, as part of the World’s Largest Convoy to raise money for the Special Olympics.

This year’s Manitoba event, kicked off with a breakfast at 8 a.m. at Oak Bluff Recreation Hall with the convoy itself getting underway at 11 a.m.

After the convoy travelled around the perimeter, the group was welcomed by Special Olympics athletes, families, friends, colleagues, law enforcement community, and various industry organizations, companies and agencies for a celebratory BBQ.

Truck drivers paid a $100 entry fee and collect pledges. Each year, the driver with the most money raised wins the honour of leading the convoy.

“These are very trying times economically for the trucking industry, yet drivers and companies are remarkably generous,” said Mark Van Schie, RCMP inspector and member of the Law Enforcement Torch Run committee.

The convoy, which started as Law Enforcement’s Torch Run before growing into its current form, is the brainchild of Corporal Norm Schneiderhan of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in Florida.

Schneiderhan was inspired by the impact the Special Olympics had had on his life, and through his family’s connection to the trucking industry, the World’s Largest Truck Convoy was created.

For a complete rundown of the event and other legs of the convoy from across Canada, see next month’s issue of Truck West. •