Dagen Trucking prepares for Truck Pull to benefit Special Olympics
Castleton-on-Hudson, N.Y. (WNYT) – Even with a team behind you, it’s not easy pulling a truck that weighs 30,000 pounds, and you’re pulling it 125 feet.
Teams get very competitive about the Dagen Truck Pull.
“For me, it’s a really great to raise money for the athletes of the Special Olympics,” said Jim Oliver of Dagen Trucking. “Our company really takes a lot of pride in putting the event on and putting a good event on, and the money raised for the athletes.”
The money is raised for athletes like Brandyn Morgan.
“I compete on the Spartans team. Chris calls me the Big Show,” said Morgan.
The gift baskets are wrapped up and ready. The games are being prepped. There are 20 teams this year.
Raffles include the use of the Innovo Kitchen food truck.
This Sunday is the fourth Dagen Truck Pull.
It was the vision of Dagen Trucking owner Jeff Dagen, who passed away.
“This is kind of keeping the dream alive for Jeff,” said James Buskey of Dagen Trucking. “As we say, it’s the King’s Promise. He’s always promised to do more and greater things for everybody and we’re just keeping that going through his passing and just keeping the name Jeff Dagen alive.”
Last year, they raised $73,000. Special Olympics programming is at no cost to athletes or families.
“This weekend, at Shen high school, we have almost 400 athletes showing up for basketball, for swimming, for tennis,” said Chris Hughes, Director of Development for Special Olympics New York. “That is all made possible from these fundraisers.”
Athlete-leader Matthew Graham will be competing.
“I’m just inspired,” he said. “I’m hopeful for more competition. I just treasure the moment.”
Everyone at Dagen will be pulling for him.
The truck pull begins at about 10 o’clock on Sunday.
While the teams and sponsors are already set, everyone is welcome for the food and the fun and the raffles.
This year, there’s also a truck show and trucks are coming in from all over the country for that.