$159,000 Raised For SWMO Special Olympics
The Special Olympics Truck Convoy is always a very important part of the Guilty by Association Truck Show (GBATS). This bi-annual event allows Truckers from all around the world to participate in both the truck show and the convoy. To participate in the Truck Convoy truckers donate at least $100 to the Special Olympics.
Every other year we get together and show our apparition for the drivers that keep this country going. Out of all the events we feature at GBATS the most anticipated is the Truck Convoy. We are proud to bring a huge community of professional drivers together to raise funds for such an important cause. They give back to our community in a big way.
Top Positions In The Special Olympics Truck Convoy Are Autioned Off
On the last day of GBATS, the first 15 spots and the caboose position of the convoy were auctioned off. There is always big anticipation on who would receive these honored and coveted positions. Those in attendance gathered as Bryan “The Bossman” Martin explained the rules and the route of the convoy. The bidding started quickly with a professional auctioneer at the helm.
Like so many other years, this year the auction was full of energy and attracted a big crowd. When the action was complete, an astounding $159,000 was raised through the 2021 Special Olympics Joplin Convoy. This goes to the local Special Olympics Chapter to help them support athletes over the next few years.
Over 420 Trucks Participated
The impressive 420+ truck convoy departed from 4 State Trucks and traveled a set path through Joplin, Missouri ending at 26th and Maiden Lane. The community really turned out too! Bystanders lined the route to see the mass amounts of trucks driving together. The cool lights, paint jobs, and customizations of the trucks in the convoy were all on display.
A Little More Then Just A Fund Raiser
Several of the area’s Special Olympic Athletes rode with drivers in the convoy. This was above and beyond just donating money to charity. These kids will remember that ride for years to come. We appreciate everything these drivers did to be able to give the athletes this experience. Many participants report that seeing the athlete’s response to ride along is the best part of this event.
A Family Fun Event
Once the convoy parked for the night the fun was not over. In true Chrome Shop Mafia-style, we continued the party with a Truckers light show taking up a staggering 5 lanes of traffic. A live free concert by Curtis Grimes and Easton Corbin was a perfect end to the night.
The 2021 Special Olympics Truck Convoy was a wonderful family event that not only brought truckers together but brought families together. This aluminates the values that 4 State Trucks Stands for: Taking care of those who take care of us and going the extra mile for our 4 State Family, Drivers, Companies, Vendors, Families, and Employees.
Sending A Special Thank You
A special thanks to our local law enforcement that was in attendance to ensure safety and show their support, as well as to all our vendors and sponsors at the event and the many months of work that they invested to ensure success. We also want to give a big thank you to the drivers who came from near and far, whom without we couldn’t do this without.
