On Sept. 18, truck drivers will help raise money and awareness for Special Olympics programs as they join the “World's Largest Truck Convoy,” officially recognized as such by Guinness Book of Records. In Texas, truckers are signing up to participate in the World’s Largest Truck Convoy in five different areas: Houston, Dallas, Midland, Laredo and Bowie.

The one-day celebration of the trucking industry helps raise money for Special Olympics. Special Olympics Texas is a privately funded non-profit organization that provides year-round training and competition opportunities to more than 29,600 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the Lone Star State.

Convoys are being organized across the United States. The convoy was first started in Florida. Norm Schneiderhan, a corporal with the Orange County (Florida) Sheriff's Department, founded the World's Largest Truck Convoy. He was inspired by the powerful impact Special Olympics has had on his life through his participation in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, and by his family's involvement with the trucking industry.

To participate, truckers simply donate a $100 entry fee and completed registration forms to their local Special Olympics Convoy contact. They meet at a staging location and then convoy to a predetermined destination, such as a raceway, fairgrounds or truck stop. At that destination, they meet with Special Olympics athletes, families, friends and the organizations, companies and agencies that make up the trucking industry.

A celebration — a picnic, barbecue, awards ceremony, etc. — is usually planned at the destination to recognize participating truckers and to recognize the support of the trucking industry.

For more information about World’s Largest Truck Convoy locations in Texas, go to www.sotx.org/events/2004/convoy.

For information about World’s Largest Truck Convoy events in other parts of the country, visit www.worldslargesttruckconvoy.com.