BLUE GRASS AIRPORT TO SERVE AS LOCATION FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS' FIRST ANNUAL PUMPER PULL CHALLENGE

Lexington, KY – On Saturday, October 8, the Special Olympics will host the first annual Pumper Pull Challenge at The Aviation Museum of Kentucky at Blue Grass Airport. This one-of-a-kind event will serve as a fundraiser for the Special Olympics, the world's largest program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Teams of 20 individuals will work together to pull a pair of fully loaded fire trucks – one from Blue Grass Airport's Public Safety Department and one from the Lexington Fire Department – to benefit Special Olympics. The combined weight of the trucks is expected to exceed 100,000 pounds. Each team will get two tries to pull the trucks 15 feet in the shortest time possible. Champions will be announced in three divisions – men's, women's and co-ed.

"We are pleased to be the host site of this great event," said Michael Gobb, executive director at Blue Grass Airport. "The airport is continuously seeking to expand its participation in community events. It provides us with the opportunity to thank our customers, neighbors and community partners and helps us support important organizations such as Special Olympics."

In addition to the competition, the event will also include activities and food for the entire family.

"It really will be an enjoyable day for families as well as the people taking the challenge," said Courtney Sullivan-Staples of Special Olympics Kentucky. "Families can come to cheer on their puller and then stay to see The Aviation Museum or play in the children's game area."

If you are interested in forming a team for the event, please contact Courtney Sullivan-Staples at (800) 633-7403 or visit www.soky.org and click on the Pumper Pull link for more information. Teams can be comprised of any kind of group – co-workers, social organizations, fraternal groups, etc. To compete, each member of a team must raise $75.

Blue Grass Airport is served by six major airline brands providing convenient non-stop service to 14 major hub cities and direct service to hundreds of destinations worldwide. The airport proudly serves over one million Central and Eastern Kentucky travelers each year.