The scene is jubilant as athletes in cities nationwide gather to play games, have picnics, ride in convoys and dance to live music.

But these aren’t just any athletes, and it’s not just any cause.

It’s the Special Olympics Truck Convoy.

It’s called “the World’s Largest Truck Convoy” because it used to happen in cities nationwide on the same day every year. Now it happens in various cities every September, though not always on the same day.

And perhaps no Special Olympics Truck Convoy is bigger than Nebraska’s, annually drawing about 50 truck drivers, 25 law enforcement officers and 200 Special Olympians.

“I was born and raised around a lot of (Special Olympics) athletes,” says Roger Duering, Nebraska’s Special Olympics Truck Convoy coordinator. “I used to help an athlete do his stretches when I was younger. For me, this is a way to give back to the state of Nebraska.”

Duering has been behind the event since it launched in the state 13 years ago.

He had a CDL trucking job until he retired for medical reasons, so he feels he has a personal stake in this weekend year after year.

This year, the two-day fundraiser will be held Sept. 16 and 17 in Hastings, Neb. and Grand Island, Neb. As always, it will be replete with good vibes. On tap are games for the athletes, a Friday night picnic, the convoy (9:45 a.m. Saturday) and a post-convoy barbecue and auction.

“The World’s Largest Truck Convoy has a great impact on the athletes and programs of Special Olympics Nebraska,” says Katie Kellar, director of development for Special Olympics Nebraska. “The funds raised from the event help to provide sports and leadership opportunities for athletes throughout the state.”

Earl Deterding, an owner operator leased to Fremont Contract Carriers, has participated in the Nebraska Special Olympics Truck Convoy every year since it launched.

“The best part is to see the look on the athletes’ faces when they’re in the trucks,” Deterding says. “It’s a fun deal. Some athletes come out every year, and every year you can see them getting more confidence. I think this event empowers them.”

Athletes begin asking about the event as early as January, Duering says. “They’re always asking, ‘What are we going to do? What games are we going to play?’”

For their part, organizers ensure the games remain a surprise for athletes. In past years, softball, an egg pass and scavenger hunts have been huge hits.

In the contests, truck drivers and athletes go head-to-head. “The athletes always win, we make sure of that,” Duering says.

Because for athletes, the Special Olympics is more than fun and games. By participating in the Nebraska competitions, such as broad jump, running and long jump, athletes can qualify to compete in the state Special Olympics contests held in Omaha. From there, they go on to compete in Nationals.

The money raised at the Nebraska convoy helps pay for athletes’ travel expenses to future competitions. “One year this convoy sent 15 athletes to the national games,” Duering says.

Last year, the Nebraska convoy raised $13,000 for the Special Olympics, and organizers hope to top that this year. Truck drivers each pay $100 to participate in the convoy, driving from as far as New York and Florida. Other funds are raised through the Saturday auction, always popular with athletes.

Truck drivers donate items for the auction then engage in bidding wars to raise more funds for the Special Olympics. Truck driver Reuben Dupsky donated a toy truck with a $45 value for the auction one year, then ended up paying $90 for it in the auction. In the end, he gave it to one of the athletes, who beamed upon receiving it.

“The athletes are thrilled by it. No matter what they get, they’re excited that they got something,” says Dupsky, a local driver for Fremont Contract Carriers who’s participated in the convoy for 12 years.

“It’s just awesome seeing the smiles on their faces,” he continues. “It keeps me coming back every year.”

Indeed, for those with CDL trucking jobs, seeing the smiles on the athletes’ faces is always the highlight of the event. Drivers engage the athletes at every turn, whether they’re playing softball with them or letting them honk the horn during the convoy. In fact, many drive with the same athletes year after year, forming a long-term bond.

“Participating gives me a good feeling,” Deterding says. “These athletes need a little pick-me-up once in a while, something that says ‘everything’s OK.’ It’s a great event. I’ll keep doing this for as long as I keep driving.”

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Photos courtesy Special Olympics Nebraska and Roger Duering