Fun, frivolity and fundraising were all top-of-mind as MSP Airport hosted the Special Olympics Minnesota Plane Pull on Sept. 6, 2025. The annual event raised almost $95,000.
Hundreds of athletes and spectators gathered at MSP Airport on Sept. 6 for the annual Special Olympics Plane Pull, a high-energy fundraiser that is open to the public.
The Plane Pull featured 51 teams of eight participants each from around the Twin Cities. Teams came from a wide variety of area groups including local gyms, businesses, police and fire departments, MSP Airport employees and contractors, and departments of the Metropolitan Airports Commission.
Participants pulled an Endeavor Air 23-ton regional jet 25 feet in timed pulls to determine the winner in various divisions. The MSP Airport Police Department sponsors the event each year, which is held on the west side of the MSP Airport outside Endeavor’s hangar.
Spectators and participants enjoyed a food truck, a DJ/emcee and enthusiastic fans who kept the day lively and loud.
The funds raised at the Plane Pull support Special Olympics Minnesota (SOMN), which has a mission to create a new world of inclusion and acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities.
You can put together a team and be a part of the event next year! Find more information at this Plane Pull website. The next Plane Pull will take place early in September 2026 at MSP Airport.
Next summer, from June 20-26, Minneapolis will host the national USA Games for Special Olympics. The 2026 event will bring about 3,000 athletes and thousands of spectators to the Twin Cities. For volunteer opportunities and other details on the 2026 USA Games, visit this website.
