Travel Partners?

CAN MY SPOUSE/PARTNER/FAMILY MEMBER TRAVEL TO THE FINAL LEG? 

Greetings Torch Runners! We now have a full team, with 65 Torch Runners from programs all over the globe! Our Athlete Selection Committee is hard at work dialing in our athlete Torch Runners, which we'll have in place by February 26th.

OK, one of the most often asked questions from Torch Runners is, "can my spouse/significant other/family member travel on the Final Leg?" The short answer is no. Not a little "no," but a giant "NO!" 

Here is why: First, the Final Leg is not a vacation. You are on a very specific mission, representing your agency, your LETR program, and your Special Olympics program. You will rise very early in the morning and get back to the hotel very late at night. You will find there is very little down time. You will be exhausted by the end of every day, and having time to decompress with your teammates is valuable. Frankly, having someone else along for the ride would be a big distraction and unfair to them. 

You will also find that the time you get to spend with your teammates is unbelievably impactful. You will gain resources and friendships you will have for life. There are a number of individuals from the Final Legs I have been a part of that I still speak with on a very regular basis.

With all that said, here are my recommendations: have your travel partner fly in a day or two before the completion of the Final Leg. If we are able to host a signature fundraising event, they may be able to be in attendance. We are also hoping we can secure tickets to the Opening Ceremonies for friends and family. On the morning you are released from your Final Leg duties, you may join your travel partner and enjoy the beautiful country. As soon as the details for our trip firm up, we will share them with you so you may plan accordingly. 

I know this may not be the answer some of you were hoping to hear, but I promise you, once you get on the ground in Italy and interact with your team, you will completely understand why we must say no.

As always, do not hesitate to hit the comment button below with any questions, or shoot me an email.

RUN, RUN, RUN!