YELLOWKNIFE - When it comes to great causes, sometimes you have to put your back into it.

That's what the RCMP is hoping Yellowknifers will do this summer in support of the Special Olympics - literally - as teams of 15 attempt to pull a Hercules aircraft.

In July, a series of teams will attempt to pull a First Air C-130 Hercules aircraft - much like this one shown off by First Air manager Stu Impett last year - to raise money for the Special Olympics as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. - NNSL file photo

The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is putting together teams to pull the 75,000 pound (34,000 kilogram) First Air plane 15 feet (4.6 metres) at the RCMP/DND hangar near the airport on July 21.

RCMP Const. Roxanne Dreilich, the event's organizer, said the idea comes from an annual plane-pull in Montreal, where teams of 20 pull a heavier 767.

"We did the math, and we think it's do-able," she said.

While the event is designed as a friendly competition, she said anyone is welcome to put together a team.

"We would like to have a minimum of 20 teams," she said, each raising $375 to compete.

Teams will challenge each other to see who can pull the Herc the fastest, and who can drag the plane with the fewest number of people.

Teams can either be men's, women's or mixed, and trophies will be awarded for first place in each category.

Special Olympics NWT treasurer Val Braden said this is the first torch run held by Yellowknife law enforcement in nearly a decade, and the first plane-pull she can remember.

"It's an international event," she said of the run. "We're glad that they're part of it again."

Now in its 26th year, the Law Enforcement Torch Run is held in support of the Special Olympics around the world. It can include an actual torch-carrying leading up to a Special Olympics event, or a myriad of other fund raisers.

In its 25th year, the run raised $25.5 million U.S., according to the official Special Olympics website.

Dreilich said she's excited to organize this event, as she has been involved in several runs in Manitoba.

"My experiences with the (run) have been so rewarding," she said.

"The athletes are just incredible; it's just a really joyful experience."

She said since many people with disabilities are on a fixed income, it's great to help athletes perform in a "pure and positive event."

"To be able to support that is just fantastic," she said.