Italy Planning Meeting Update

 Italy Site Visit Wrap-Up

TURIN, Italy - Greg, Kami and I wrapped up our site visit in Italy this past Sunday. To say it was successful is an understatement. We had the opportunity to visit most of our run routes and all of them are fantastic. 

As you can see from the photo above, the city of Biella received its first snow while we were there. The photo was taken at the start of the last run we will do. We will light the cauldron in the picture prior to us starting one of the best runs of the week. 

It is very important that you bring at least two pairs of running shoes. In fact, you may even consider a pair of trail running shoes due to the potential of snow and slippery conditions. 

Pictured above: Front Row - Italy athlete Alessandro Henry (Team 2) and Italy athlete Andres Spezzano (Team 7); Back Row - Sara Romano (LOC), Luigi D'Agostino (LOC), Italy Torch Runner Marzena Michalska (Team 2), Cristiano (SO Italia), Charlie Cremonte (SO Italia), Greg Dawson, Italy Torch Runner Andrea Coviello, Mark McCorkle and Italy Torch Runner Rudy Albano (Palo Vialardi arrived after photo & the other four had athletic events, or were working)

We were able to meet with four of the Italian Torch Runners and both Italian athletes. We provided them an overview of Special Olympics, the LETR movement and history of the Final Leg. They were all very attentive and seem genuinely excited about this opportunity. 

Travel Dates

We can now solidify the travel dates. Please watch your emails next week for the formal request for travel information to book flights. You will be asked to provide the following information: 

• Full name as it appears on your passport
• Passport information
• Date of departure from home
• Home airport code
• Destination Airport Code (Athens: ATH; Turin: TRN; Rome: FCO)
• Date of Return

Here are the travel dates:

Athens (For those attending the Flame Lighting)

24 February - Must arrive in Athens on or before this date. It is not necessary for you to attend the Flame Lighting rehearsal on the 24th; Team Leaders Diana Sanchez and Pete Sawyer will help coordinate with Torch Runners attending the Flame Lighting.

Rome (For those attending the public Mass and Papal Blessing)

25 February - Must arrive in Rome on or before this date in order to attend the 0900 Hours public mass on the 26th in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. Papal blessing of the Flame to follow.

Turin

25 February - All Logistics Team Members must arrive on this date to begin acquisition of vehicles and materials; setup

26 February - All Team Leaders must arrive on this date

27 February - All Torch Runners and Athletes must arrive on this date, no exceptions. You will be met at the airport by members of the Logistics Team and transported to the hotel.

10 March - Released from Final Leg duties to return home or continued travel 

Pre/Post Final Leg Travel

All of you are welcome to arrive early, or stay beyond 10 March to travel and sightsee, however this will be at your own expense. The NH Hotel has agreed to extend a discounted rate to Team members who wish to arrive early or stay late in Turin. Once the hotel contract is signed by the LOC, we will provide direction on how to secure those extra days at the NH Hotel.  

Team Zoom Meeting

Next week I will send a link for an All-Team Zoom Meeting. This will be a very comprehensive meeting to provide as much detail as possible and answer all of your questions. If you are not able to attend, the meeting will be recorded for viewing later.

Running

I know this is repetitive, but I cannot emphasize enough the need for all of you to train, including some hill training. My primary reason for harping on this issue is that I want all of you to enjoy this experience. If you are not physically prepared, it can take much of the enjoyment out of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Please, please, please don't hesitate to ask questions.

Talk to you all soon!