Durham donates services to Special Olympics event
The contractor donated 10 buses and drivers to transport participants of the Special Olympics of Illinois’ annual Torch Run Plane Pull. Teams from local law enforcement agencies and the general public participated in a tug-of-war challenge on Saturday against an Airbus A300 aircraft weighing more than 180,000 pounds.

Durham School Services donated 10 buses and drivers to transport participants of the Special Olympics of Illinois’ annual Torch Run Plane Pull.
WARRENVILLE, Ill. — Durham School Services donated 10 buses and drivers to transport participants of the Special Olympics of Illinois’ annual Torch Run Plane Pull.
Teams from local law enforcement agencies and the general public participated in a tug-of-war challenge on Saturday to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. They faced off against an Airbus A300 aircraft weighing more than 180,000 pounds at O’Hare International Airport.
“Durham School Services not only raises money to support our program, but the buses and friendly drivers who shuttle everyone to and from the Plane Pull tarmac add to the festive atmosphere of the day, which encourages people to return year after year,” said Dave Breen, president and CEO of Special Olympics Illinois. “It is wonderful to work with a company like Durham that is so dedicated to local communities, something that aligns closely with our mission.”
This is the sixth year of the Special Olympics Illinois’ Plane Pull event, and Durham has participated each year, according to the contractor.
“It is our privilege to provide transportation for this wonderful cause benefiting Special Olympics Illinois,” said David A. Duke, CEO of National Express Corp. “I’m very proud of our employees who have dedicated time and effort to be a part of this event that raises awareness and funds for Special Olympics athletes.”
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