There’s a saying that goes, “If you can explain Final Leg, then you didn’t really experience it.” After being part of the journey in Italy, I believe that’s completely true.
At its core, the Final Leg is about bringing the Flame of Hope from Athens, Greece, to the athletes of the Special Olympics World Games. I was part of the 17-person logistics team, and our job was to make sure the runners had everything they needed to carry that flame with pride and purpose.
But the journey began long before we arrived in Turin. Months of planning and virtual meetings created more than just excitement. They built real connections. You could feel the energy grow with each call, especially from the eight athletes who would run as part of the team. Their joy was infectious and set the tone for what was to come.
When we finally landed in Italy, it was time to get to work. Many of us had never met in person before, but from the very beginning, we were in sync. Rank or title didn’t matter. What mattered was the mission and the commitment to serve. Everyone showed up ready to support the athletes and the Final Leg however they could.
One of my favorite memories was greeting team members as they arrived. They came off long flights, clearly exhausted, but lit up with excitement. I’ll never forget seeing the athletes walk into the hotel to register. Their smiles said it all. Receiving their credentials and Final Leg gear was a proud moment for each of them, and being there to witness it was something I’ll always treasure.
The lead-up to Day 1 was filled with anticipation. That’s when the real work began, and also when the team truly started to bond. As part of logistics, we spent long days on the road, moving from starting points to ceremonies. All that time in the van became a gift. I shared a ride with a former law enforcement officer who told me stories about his son, who has special needs. Every morning, he would record a short video to send home to him. It was a simple gesture, but incredibly powerful. Moments like that reminded me why we do this.
Each day was early, long, and demanding. Our logistics team was split into two smaller groups that alternated between covering starting points and ceremonies, but at the end of every day, we regrouped as one. We always made sure we finished together.
The ceremonies were unforgettable. Watching athletes and officers speak side by side, encouraging one another, lifting each other up, was something special. I remember hearing an athlete whisper, “You got this,” to an officer right before he gave a speech. I saw that same support returned again and again. These weren’t just teammates anymore. They had become a family.
You really can’t explain the Final Leg. But if you’re lucky enough to be part of it, it stays with you. The experience, the people, the purpose, it becomes a part of who you are.
