Seventy-five participants scaled down the side of the sky tower about 30 stories to raise money to support Special Olympics programs.
MONTVILLE, Conn. — Volunteers supporting the Special Olympics in Connecticut rappelled down Mohegan Sun’s sky tower Friday.
It’s called “Over the Edge,” and it helps raise money and support for Special Olympics athletes of all abilities.
75 people are repelling off the side of Mohegan Sun this morning to support @SOCTconnecticut! It’s over 30 stories would you do this!? @FOX61News pic.twitter.com/c7qMgOOu34
— Lindsey Kane (@lindseykanetv) September 2, 2022
Sign up for the FOX61 newsletters: Morning Forecast, Morning Headlines, Evening Headlines
About 75 people scaled down the wall of the building, about 30 stories.
“Before they go over the edge they get paperwork and a harness and then they do a practice on the platform and then they go over the edge,” said Matt Glad, an athlete with the Special Olympics.
Instructors teach participants how to utilize ropes that help them scale down the wall, which is important for everyone’s safety.
— Lindsey Kane (@lindseykanetv) September 2, 2022
RELATED: ‘A lot of emotions’ at Serena Williams’ first match since announcing retirement
“We’ve been partnering up with the Special Olympics to raise awareness and money, but it’s not about the money, it’s really about the awareness about what our athletes can do,” said Tom Madera, the co-director of the Torch Run.
“We have at least 75 volunteers today who raised over $80,000 for this event. It’s such a great event for athletes and it’s great to see the partnerships with our law enforcement community and the Special Olympics community,” said Madera.
Glad rappelled down the building and comes back every year to do so. He said heights are not a fear for his.