Hundreds of 2014 Special Olympics USA Games athletes and coaches arrived at Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN / KTTN) in grand fashion on Saturday, stepping off Cessna Aircraft Company business jets and onto a red carpet lined by supporters and spectators. More than 100 owners and operators donated their aircraft, pilots and fuel, departing from 28 airports in 22 states using the "DOVE" callsign. The first Citation touched down on Trenton-Mercer's 6,006-foot-long Runway 24 shortly after 8:30am and the last arrived shortly before 5:00pm. At the height of the Airlift, an aircraft landed every few minutes, while others were being unloaded, parked, or readied for departure.
This marks the seventh time Cessna has coordinated the Citation Special Olympics Airlift, which first transported nearly 1,000 athletes and their coaches to the International Summer Games in South Bend, IN in 1987. "The Citation Special Olympics Airlift is an inspiring display of the spirit of the general aviation community," said Kriya Shortt, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing. "We are proud to play a role in this event that happens only because of the unwavering support of Citation, Hawker and Beechcraft King Air customers. Our customers and employees truly enjoy the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the athletes and their families."
2014 is the third Special Olympics National Games to be held in the United States. Competitions will be held at several sites in and around Princeton, NJ starting Monday, before the athletes return to Trenton-Mercer Airport on Saturday to depart back home. "The Citation Special Olympics Airlift represents a truly rare opportunity for those in aviation and for Special Olympics athletes," said Bob Gobrecht, president of Special Olympics North America. "By not having to expend funds on commercial transportation, our programs are able to direct every possible cent toward other expenses related to sending their athletes to the 2014 USA Games. To have the personalized attention and support of Citation, Hawker and King Air owners and pilots provides tremendous comfort and assistance to our delegations."
The first aircraft, a Cessna 680 Citation Sovereign, arrives from Columbus, OH as DOVE1
