Teams Pulled FedEx Jet at Roanoke Airport
Hundreds gathered in Roanoke to drag an 82-ton cargo jet for charity.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Teams participated in an annual event at the Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport where they successfully pulled a FedEx Cargo jet. The fundraiser supports Special Olympics Virginia athletes.
Why it matters
The event provides critical financial support for local Special Olympics Virginia athletes. It also brings the Roanoke community together for a unique athletic challenge.
Participants pulled an 82-ton FedEx Cargo jet a total distance of 12 feet. The feat involved hundreds of attendees working in teams using ropes.
The players
Special Olympics Virginia
This non-profit organization provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
FedEx
This global logistics company provides the cargo aircraft used for the pull and supports charitable community initiatives.
The details
Teams used ropes to physically pull the massive FedEx Cargo jet down the runway at the Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport. This annual event relies on the collective strength of hundreds of participants to achieve the 12-foot distance.
Timeline
September 26, 2026: The Southwest Virginia Plane Pull took place.
Market Landscape
This event follows a pattern set by the annual Special Olympics plane pull series held at various airports nationwide. It reflects a broader trend of corporate logistics partners leveraging their heavy equipment for local philanthropic engagement.
The event encourages community involvement and provides a tangible way for locals to support athletes with intellectual disabilities. Residents can attend future pulls to participate in the physical challenge or donate directly to the cause.
The takeaway
Large-scale charity events demonstrate how community collaboration can turn heavy industrial assets into tools for social good. Getting involved in such fundraisers provides a unique way to support local athletes while participating in a memorable team activity.
Further reading
Learn more about local charitable initiatives in Philanthropy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WSLS.
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