The Great Combine Pull at Cornucopia Farm to be Sept. 13

There have been many men and women across history that have pulled off astonishingly impressive feats of human strength. Men like Brian Shaw and Bill Kazmaier have proven that you can indeed achieve the title of “World’s Strongest Man.” On September 13, our very own Special Olympics Washington County will be engaging in their own impressive feat of strength for “The Great Combine Pull at Cornucopia Farm.”

Elliott Daniels, a local Special Olympian, is leading the charge for this free-admission combine pull, and he is doing so as part of his Athlete Leadership University (ALU) capstone project. We had the pleasure of sitting down with him recently to talk about all the details.

“The Great Combine Pull at Cornucopia Farm” will be held at, you guessed it, Cornucopia Farm on the afternoon of September 13 at 3:00 pm, but those intending to participate should arrive by 2:30 pm in order to complete registration.

Elliott Daniels

Daniels has been an enthusiastic member of Special Olympics Washington County for several years now, and he described it as something near and dear to his heart.

“I do pretty much every sport we offer here in Washington County for Special Olympics,” Daniels said. “I play basketball, power-lift, I do track and field, bowling and cornhole… Another thing I am involved in is Athlete Leadership University. This combine pull is the project I am doing for my capstone.”

Daniels explained that ALU is much like any other course or university. He stated it is a two-semester program full of various classes to help Special Olympians grow in their leadership abilities. He continued by describing how Special Olympics and ALU have shaped who he is as a person.

“It has made me more independent, and it helps me grow as a leader and as a person. I also get to make a whole lot of friends by being involved in Special Olympics, not just locally, but all over the State of Indiana.”

Daniels added that the Salem High School cheerleaders will be at the event as well to provide their face-painting skills for a donation. He also said there will be a “kiddie combine pull” to start off the afternoon following the opening ceremony, and a mule pull following the main event before the awards ceremony.

Daniels posing with fellow Washington County Special Olympians

When asked what he would say to someone interested in joining Special Olympics and what he loves about Washington County, Daniels said, “Come see what [Special Olympics] is all about! They can contact Ray Owen, our county coordinator.”

“Washington County is a very special place,” he added. “I like being around the people and the community, and I like making new friends. The people here would do anything for you.”

Interested in participating? There is still plenty of time to sign up and put a team of up to 15 people together! Registration begins at 2:30 pm on September 13, and prospective combine-pullers can sign up right up until the start of the pull. Note, there is a fee of $750 for each competing team ($50 per person with a full team).

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