Convoys in South Dakota, Missouri continue to benefit Special Olympics

Thanks to the annual truck convoys in Sioux Falls, S.D., and Joplin, Mo., Special Olympics in both states stand to benefit greatly, once again.

Sioux Falls held their annual convoy event, which has taken place since 2003, on Sept. 17-18 at W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds, while the Guilty By Association Truck Show was the site of the “world’s largest truck convoy” in Joplin on Sept. 25.

Land Line spoke to organizers of both events and was on hand for the GBATS convoy.

Sioux Falls convoy

Funds raised by this event make a direct impact on nearly 3,000 South Dakota Special Olympic athletes, who would likely not have the opportunity to compete without this effort. A total of 117 trucks registered and 91 trucks took part in the convoy, which raised $55,000 for local athletes.

“We try to raise as much money as possible for the Special Olympics because it all stays in whatever state you collect it in,” said Marty Ellis with the South Dakota Convoy. “It goes directly to the athletes, and that means a lot. We want to raise awareness as well. Whatever these athletes do, they do it well.”

Along with the convoy, a poker tournament, auctions, raffles and awards presentation also took place.

The Sioux Falls event was fortunate to be able to host an event last year, while many had to cancel because of COVID-19. Keeping everyone safe and entertained was a major focus in 2021.

“We have more of a unique atmosphere in South Dakota in that we never really shutdown as a state because of COVID-19,” Ellis said. “We still took steps to protect people at the convoy, including hand-sanitizing stations, leaving doors open in buildings for air flow, and had any athletes who came wear masks. Our goal was to make it fun and safe for everyone who came. Sometimes that’s a fine line. Everybody did the best they could with that.”

Organizers of the convoy held in Rapid City as part of the state’s Special Olympics fundraising effort weren’t as fortunate. They had to cancel their convoy for the second year in a row.

Joplin convoy

Raising funds for Special Olympics of Southwest Missouri athletes is always a major focus of the festivities in Joplin, Mo., during GBATS. This year was no different with donations accepted throughout the weekend as well as an auction for particular spots within the convoy.

“Everybody here is fired up, and we’re flattered that they’re spending three or four days in Joplin hanging out with us,” Bryan Martin of 4 State Trucks said.

Approximately 430 trucks registered for the convoy, generating $151,600 in donations, according to Jana Fornelli, program manager for Special Olympics Missouri.

“I think everyone was excited, especially after last year, to be out here at a truck show and enjoying all the camaraderie,” Fornelli said. “We really appreciate all the support they’re showing for Special Olympics. We want the trucking community to engage with our athletes and experience their joy and spirit.”

Several of the athletes rode with truckers during the convoy as a way to build that bridge and also say thank you for all the support.

“We appreciate everyone’s support,” Fornelli said. “I will say that we feel very honored to be a part of this truck show. I personally have enjoyed seeing friendships old and new. It just really makes my heart feel good.”

The event is the largest fundraiser for the local Special Olympics area and lived up to that billing again this year.

“The money raised here stays in the southwest area of Special Olympics Missouri,” Fornelli said. “This is our biggest fundraiser, this means a lot. This impacts the programming that we’re able to provide. So again, we really appreciate all the support. It makes a world of difference in everything that we do.” LL