Truckers gather around Sask. for Special Olympics athletes

The 14th annual truck convoy for Special Olympics Saskatchewan took place in Regina and Saskatoon on Saturday.

This year’s convoy was different compared to years prior.

Last year, trucks met in Saskatoon or Swift Current before they were escorted to Regina with brief stops in Moose Jaw and Chamberlain.

This year there would be no inter-city travel as two separate convoys took place in Regina and Saskatoon.

CEO of Special Olympics Sask., Faye Matt, was just happy to see the important fundraising event continue in some capacity this year.

“Having sports to keep people out of social isolation is such an important part of our community, fundraisers like this help us on that path,” Matt said. “We have a lot of repeat drivers that are getting accustomed to our new format but the excitement and eagerness to support Special Olympics athletes remain.”

Matt added that the event didn’t need that many COVID-19 modifications aside from not making the trip out to Regina.

In Saskatoon, there were 14 trucks with Regina seeing 30 in their convoy.

“These athletes take great pride in their events,” Matt said. “Typically an event like this raises around $20,000 each year. We hope to stay on that target.”

Gordon Jacobs has been a long-time supporter of the fundraiser, participating in it for 11 years.

“They need all the support they can get,” Jacobs said. “The funding helps these guys train and attend events.”

Officers escorted trucks as they made their way around the city.

Mike Melnik, a correctional officer with the Saskatoon Correctional Centre volunteered with the fundraising event for the first time this year.

“Events like this are important not only for raising money but for raising awareness too,” Melnik said. “It means a lot for these athletes.”

And they are off! Cheer loud when you see them driving thru! #saskconvoy2020 pic.twitter.com/X4h8ijfH6E

— Special Olympics SK (@SpecialOSask) September 12, 2020