When to Arrive
- Arrive in the event parking lot about 1.5 hours before your scheduled 30-minute pull window
- If you do not know your window, reach out to your Team Captain
- This window is subject to change if we get backed up (but we hope not)
- Gather your team near the Team Check-In Tent at the far end of the event near the planes
- Captains should consider bringing a team name sign, flag, or wearing something identifiable
- You will pull after your team is fully checked in; times may shift if we are ahead or behind schedule
- If your team does not have a scheduled pull window, email ehead@specialolympicsva.org right away.
Parking and Getting to the Event
- Parking: Free in event parking garages. Enter “Dulles International Airport” in GPS. Follow directional signs for “Event Parking.” After parking, take the free, ADA-compliant shuttle to the entrance (5–7 minute ride).
- Metro: Take the Silver Line to Dulles Airport. Shuttles will take you from the Metro garage to the event entrance.
Where to Meet Your Team
- Gather near the Team Check-In Tent prior to presenting yourselves for check-in
- Work with your captain on specific meeting plans
- Some teams make fun and noticeable signs — a Plane Amazing idea
Event Registration
- If you are receiving this email, you are officially registered online
- If any team members are not registered, forward this email and instruct them to register at www.planepull.com prior to check-in
- Anyone not registered online will be required to register during check-in, which may delay your team
Team Check-In
- Located in a large 10x50 tent near the planes at the far end of the event
- Teams should present themselves 30 minutes before their pull window
- Gather as a team before approaching the check-in stations
- Each member must individually check in
- Last-minute donations can be turned in at this time
- Minimum Donation Requirement
- Teams must raise a minimum of $2,500 to participate
Team Incentive Pick-Up
- Captains or a designee may pick up incentives at the following times:
- Thursday, Sept 11, Noon–4 PM – Westin Washington Dulles
- Please note: Hats will not be available for pickup on Thursday as they are delayed in customs. They can be collected at a later pickup time.
- Friday, Sept 12, Noon–4 PM – Westin Washington Dulles
- Event Day – Team Check-In Tent
- Westin Washington Dulles Address: 2520 Wasser Terrace, Herndon, VA 2017
- Notes:
- Do not leave cars in the valet area at the front entrance. Free garage parking and nearby street parking are available.
- Incentives include:
- 25 hats in one bag
- Custom shirts (if $7,500 raised by Aug 1) in one box
- Incentives will not be distributed individually and are for team captains or their designees only
- VIP Hospitality Tent bracelets (if team raised over $10,000)
- Teams may wear incentives at the event or keep them as a souvenir
- If your team is not receiving shirts, they may be purchased on-site or ordered online post-event
Plane Pull Medal
- Anyone who raises $100 by Monday night is eligible for a medal
- Medals will be mailed out post-event
- Keep fundraising to show athletes you are pulling for them
Entering the Event
- Captains who attend early incentive pick-up may also collect express entry bracelets for their teams
- Bracelets allow expedited entry on event day
- Team members must wear their bracelet to use the line
- If you forget it, bring a medically required bag, attend with non-team friends, etc., you will use the regular entry line
Clear Bag Policy
- Because this event is on airport property, security will be heightened this year. Plan accordingly.
- Stadium-style clear bag policy enforced (bags larger than 5x7 must be clear)
- No bags, outside food, drinks, or animals unless service animals
- No weapons unless you are an officer in uniform
- Medical bags are permitted but will be searched
- All attendees go through magnetometers upon entry
What to Bring
- 5x7 bag or clear bag
- Sunglasses and hat
- Empty water bottle (filling stations available)
- Closed toed shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing (the event israin or shine)
- Work or gardening gloves for pulling (none provided on-site)
- Cash or card for food, snacks, and activities (note: not all areas accept credit cards; ATM on-site)
- Any extra cash or check donations to add to your team total at check-in
- Guests to support Special Olympics Virginia athletes
What Not to Bring
- Non-clear or large bags
- Animals (except service animals)
- Firearms or weapons of any type (unless a sworn officer in uniform)
- Outside food or drinks (complimentary water provided post-pull)
- Balloons
- Signs with anything other than a team name
- Miscellaneous and Questions
Questions? Contact:
- Ellen Head ehead@specialolympicsva.org
- Nicole Kratzer nkratzer@specialolympicsva.org