The selection means that the airport will likely see more than 200 additional aircraft landings, as Cessna Aircraft Company transports the athletes competing in the National Games. Cessna will assemble an “airlift” to transport the athletes and coaches from their hometowns to the Special Olympics using planes flown by volunteer pilots.
The 2014 games are expected to be the largest since the Lawrence-based Special Olympics began hosting the event for athletes with disabilities in 2006, the organization said. The Special Olympics were founded in 1968 and Cessna has been transporting the special needs athletes since 1985.
Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes said that being named as the host airport provides a great opportunity for the airport and the county.
“We have a great airport and we know it,” Hughes said in a press release issued today.
The 2014 National Games will be held in Mercer County and around the state with events at Princeton University, Rider University, The College of New Jersey, Mercer County Park and The Lawrenceville School.
“The Special Olympics is an internationally known organization dedicated to helping challenged children meet their fullest potential,” Hughes said. “Being a part of this effort is a calling of the highest order and we readily accept the challenge.’
The estimated 3,500 Special Olympic athletes will participate in 167 different sports from June 14 to June 21, 2014. Approximately 10,000 volunteer and 50,000 spectators are expected to attend.
http://www.nj.com/mercer
http://www.airnav.com/airport/KTTN
No comments:
Post a Comment