Alexandria, VA— More than 40 teams of various shapes and sizes, intent on pulling 145,000 pounds of aluminum, camouflaged as a 727, descended on Washington Dulles International Airport today for its 7th Annual Plane Pull as part of Dulles Day from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission to the airport Open House is free.

Over the last six years, the Airports Authority estimates that over $250,000 has been raised for the Virginia Special Olympics through this event. Today, the Airports Authority will present a check in the amount of $50,000 to Virginia Foster, Director of Special Olympics Virginia.

"We are proud to present this check to our friends at Special Olympics Virginia. It truly represents all the hard work and caring that has gone into this event as well as the contributions from the surrounding community," said Joseph Hurtuk, Deputy Chief, MWAA Police, also known as the "father of the Plane Pull."

The first ever Plane Pull was created at Dulles Airport in 1992 to raise money for the Virginia Special Olympics. Although similar events are now held across the country at other airports, Dulles’ Plane Pull is the original and is organized by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police Department.

Dulles Day not only features the annual Plane Pull, but offers activities for all ages. The car show features antiques, hot rod vehicles, motorcycles and other vintage vehicles and is sponsored by Rosenthal Automotive and GEICO Direct.

A variety of planes are on display for visitors, including military, commercial and civilian aircraft. There is a police badge and patch collectors show and a special Kids Korner featuring a moon bounce, ball crawl, face painting, balloon sculpturing and games. Airport police and other public safety agencies provide demonstrations of equipment and K-9 dog team demonstrations. Visitors also have a chance to win fabulous prizes, including free movie tickets from AMC Theatres, airline tickets, and a chance to win a three-year lease on a new automobile from Rosenthal Automotive.

Teams of twenty are vying for the championship by pulling a 727 jet aircraft donated by Federal Express. Each team donates $1,000 to the Special Olympics.

The official radio station for the Plane Pull, WBIG Oldies 100 FM, will provide music and "color commentary" during the competition.

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