Big wheels keep turning, especially the 130-feet tall Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel in its efforts to turn Gus Martinez, Los Angeles Police Officer, into a world-record holder beginning at 7:30 a.m. on May 31 to 8:30 a.m. on June 1.
Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier joins Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) and Southern California Law Enforcement in its 25-hour effort to break the current Guinness World Records title of 24 hours and 30 minutes.
Martinez will remain in the Ferris wheel gondola throughout the record-setting period and will be periodically joined by Jason, his son and SOSC athlete. Additional family members, friends and law enforcement officers will also be riding along and cheering him on each minute of the way.
Supporters can get involved with a variety of fundraising options available online at http://www.pacpark.com/worldrecord. Once an online donation is confirmed, the supporter can then guess how many rotations the Pacific Wheel will make during the 25-hour world record event. The supporter who comes closest to the total rotations without going over will receive a free, private one-hour ride on the Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel. The ride will occur during non-operating hours with four guests and include a delicious meal from The Lobster restaurant.
In addition, supporters donating at the website will receive a $10 off coupon for Sports Authority, an SOSC partner proud to be a part of the record-setting event.
Guests can also ride the Ferris wheel in one of the remaining gondolas for $5 during the Park’s exclusive after-hours from 8 p.m. to midnight. All proceeds raised during the period will go toward SOSC.
“Rarely does an opportunity come along to help such a great organization, while recognizing the hard work of law enforcement and an athlete, all while having fun,” says Jeff Klocke, Director of Marketing and Sales at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. “Pacific Park is committed to being the best partner to Special Olympics Southern California. We recognize the excellence, endurance and time the athletes put toward their sport. We are matching that enthusiasm with the Ferris wheel, fundraising and will power.”
Upon setting the record, Martinez and his son will light the official Southern California Law Enforcement Torch held by a Santa Monica Law Enforcement Officer and SOSC athlete.
The pair will run up the Santa Monica Pier, down Colorado Blvd., onto Main Street to the Santa Monica Police Department where the flame will be kept for the weekend. On Monday, June 4, Law Enforcement Officials will kick-off the Southern California legs of the Southern California Law Enforcement Torch Run for SOSC Summer Games.
Martinez has been with the Los Angeles Police Department since 1994 and currently holds the rank of Detective, working special crime task force. Jason, his son, is also a Special Olympics athlete with Down syndrome. He considers his work with Jason and SOSC “life changing.” Martinez is also a Special Olympics coach and, together with his wife Menah, they have three children Beverly, 24, Jason, 23, and Ariel, 8. The entire family is very supportive of Jason and his Special Olympics “career” and his accomplishments.
“Special Olympics athletes are real athletes… no endorsements… no scholarships… just pure joy to train and compete. Being in this SOSC world of athletes, parents, volunteers… it’s a bit of change from working with the crime-related activity I typically focus on day in and day out,” says Martinez.
His desire to attempt to break the world record on the Ferris wheel is driven by the challenge of spinning around for 25 hours, he has the endurance skills, often awake 25-30 hours at a time, and, most importantly, he’s doing it for Jason and SOSC.
“Special individuals with true heart and passion are found within the SOSC family and Gus embodies those traits. This is a very unique opportunity to spend time in raising awareness of the organization and honor Jason,” said Bill Shumard, President and CEO of Special Olympics Southern California. “Pacific Park is a wonderful partner and terrific community player, always looking for new, exciting and creative ways to help SOSC, the Summer Games and Law Enforcement Torch Run. We greatly appreciate their many and varied contributions.”
Money raised from this event will go toward events such as SOSC Summer Games, taking place June 9-10 at Cal State Long Beach. Athletes and volunteers travel from all over Southern California to participate in the annual Summer Games, which is the largest Special Olympics Southern California sports competition of the year with more than 1,100 athletes competing in aquatics, athletics (track & field), basketball, bocce, golf, and gymnastics. An expected 6,000 people will attend the games throughout the weekend. For more information about the Summer Games, visit www.sosc.org/summergames.
Make sure to follow the journey at facebook.com/pacwheelwatch
