Special Olympics Truck Convoy to Include K&J Drivers

K & J is proud to be participating in the Special Olympics Truck Convoy for another year. This year's event is taking place on September 21st and 22nd and we have four drivers taking part! Curious about the Truck Convoy and how it supports the mission and vision of Special Olympics or how you can get involved? Keep reading!

What is the Truck Convoy?

The Truck Convoy started in Florida in 2001 and has now become an international event with a presence in over 24 states and several Canadian provinces. It is a way to celebrate the trucking industry and their support of Special Olympics and raise funds for the non-profit.  

South Dakota was an early adopter of the event, with a South Dakota convoy starting in 2003. There are currently two South Dakota events, one in Sioux Falls and the other in Rapid City. Over the years there have been more than 1,000 different trucks involved in the South Dakota celebrations, raising more than $629,000 for the organization. 

The Truck Convoy allows truckers to develop community and show off their rigs while raising money for a worthy cause. Interested truckers can pay $100 to participate in the weekend event which includes a poker tournament, convoy parade, several catered meals, an auction, and an awards ceremony. Local companies donate a wide variety of high ticket items to be auctioned off during the event. 

Funds raised by the truck convoy go to support the Law Enforcement Torch Run, a huge event that is the main fundraiser for Special Olympics each year. Through the generosity of truckers and members of the community, the Convoy helps support more than 2,100 athletes in South Dakota each year!

What Is it Like to Participate?

To participate in the Convoy, truckers should register online and pay $100. This entrance fee gives them access to all the weekend events and a ton of positive press for the trucking industry! 

On the day of the Convoy, all participating trucks meet at W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds and then drive together along the convoy route and back to the fairgrounds. 

Drivers are welcomed back into the grounds by Special Olympics athletes, families, law enforcement, and members of the community.  After the Convoy is complete, drivers are able to meet and interact with athletes and their families during the celebratory lunch, awards ceremony and auction. 

In previous years there have been over 200 participants. Last year the Sioux Falls Convoy raised $64,000 for the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run. This is a fabulous event for drivers to connect with others and support a worthy cause; which is just one of the many reasons we love to support this event! 

Join Us Next Year!

If you can't join us this weekend but you are interested in participating in the Convoy next year, let Brenda or Shelley know and we will remind you when registration opens.

Wondering about what makes K & J Trucking such a unique company? Click below to find out why we have the best drivers in the business!