Fundraising Update

 

Dunn, Logistics Team in the Lead!

We have crested the 50% mark enroute to our goal of raising $200,000USD! Our fundraising platform will stay open into July so our goal is within reach!

Amber Dunn has opened up a nearly $3K lead over her closest competitor, BUT, I know for a fact there's still big money lurking out there. Amber clocks in at an impressive $9,137 as of this publication and Bill Proll is second at $6,275.

In the Teams race, the Logistics squad, made up of hobbled and banged up veterans, is in the lead with $18,895, but Team 7 is breathing down their neck at $18,437.

Still plenty of time to hop on board, and still lots of opportunity to fill your coffers. 

If you need the link to join, here it is: 

SpecialOlympics (givesmart.com)

 

UPDATES TO THE TEAM GUIDE

We released the Team Guide last week - hoping that it contained everything you needed to know for the Final Leg event.

Well - not quite everything!

We realised yesterday that we hadn't detailed what the team would be doing on June 13 or June 18.

June 13 has ben declared Inclusion Day and as such the Final Leg team are travelling out of Berlin to the town of Arendsee.  We'll be away for much of the day and return to our hotel in time for the Team Welcome Dinner.

On June 18 - the day following the Opening Ceremony - there is an opportunity for Final Leg team members to get out and see some sport.  The day is called 'Fans in the Stands' and it takes place in Messe which is a 30 minute train ride from our hotel.  We then end the day with the Team Recognition Dinner.

We've added a couple of pages to the Final Leg Route Summary which of course throws you out if you've already downloaded the outdated version - apologies for that.

There are a couple of ways that you can get access to this information.

1.  Go back and download the Team Guide again from either the Team Portal or by clicking on the image below:

2 .  Download the revised Route Summary document by clicking on the image below:

See you soon

What the Rest of the World Sees

 It's a Bloody, Beautiful Forecast, Chap

It was brought to my attention by a Torch Runner who will remain anonymous, but who may be from Iceland and is commonly referred to as "Mark's Torch wife," that not everyone on this team speaks fluent American. So, for the rest of the world, here is our projected forecast.

Enjoy your weekend!

Projected Weather

 

Projected Running Weather for Berlin

The forecast will certainly change before we arrive, but as of right now, the running weather in Berlin for the Final Leg looks pretty favorable. About a 20-25% chance of rain each day, except for Saturday, which is less.

Hey, a little rain will never stop this Team! Remember, bring an extra pair of shoes!!

Thin Blue Line

Blue Line Branding

I do my best to keep these posts as light and entertaining as possible, but I need to be very serious for a moment. This is not a pleasant post to have to make.

All of us are proud of our profession and many of us live in areas where law enforcement is still revered, celebrated and appreciated. One of our constant reminders of the sacrifices our brothers and sisters have made is identification with the Thin Blue Line. Many of us wear it proudly on shirts, or fly blue line flags at our homes. In fact, many Torch Run programs use the blue line imagery.

Unfortunately, we live in a world where that symbolism is not universally respected. When Greg Dawson and I were recently in Berlin, we became aware of the cultural divide this symbol can cause. It's even more dramatic than what some of you see in the United States or other locales. Bottom line, the thin blue line symbol is not respected in Germany in the same manner it may be in other parts of the world.

Now, none of us on the management side of this team will ever dictate what you can and cannot wear when you're "off duty," but we can provide you with what we know so you can make an informed decision.

During our recent trip, Greg and I did a little reconnaissance at local establishments in Berlin and our observations were that a tremendous number of young people flock to Berlin to enjoy the numerous watering holes and venues the city has to offer. Berlin also has a reputation for its young people being more than willing to voice their opinions in a variety of colorful and not always peaceful ways. 

All of this to say, if you have the opportunity to venture into the community and enjoy the many sites (not that we're going to have a lot of down time), it might be best to do so under the radar, so to speak. None of us want to see anyone become involved in a disagreement simply because of a symbol on their clothing.

Thank you for your understanding, and I'm always open to comments and questions.

 

 

Fundraising from Kazan

The message below was delivered to all LETR Liaisons earlier this morning. Because it impacts nearly 25% of our Berlin Team, I felt it appropriate to post here:

"A few Liaisons and Torch Runners have raised a topic related to Final Leg fundraising that I think is best addressed to all of you from a single source. First, let me apologize for the length of this email, but I think a detailed explanation is warranted. 

As you all know, fundraising by Torch Runners and Athletes took place leading up to the proposed World Games in Kazan, Russia. When those Games were canceled, the decision was made by SOI and the LETR International Executive Council to split the fundraising revenue with 95% going back to the programs and 5% going to SOI to cover administrative costs. 

A request has been made that those Torch Runners and Athletes who raised funds for Kazan, who are also participating in the upcoming Final Leg in Berlin, receive a credit toward their 2023 individual fundraising goals. The threshold for earning an official Final Leg Torch for individual fundraisers is $3,000. 

There are several components of that request that are just not fiscally sound: number one, the Kazan fundraising dollars that were previously distributed came from another fiscal year budget. Those dollars are gone; secondly, Final Legs are separate budgeted events. The 2023 Final Leg started with a ZERO budget. There was no carryover from Kazan; the LETR International Council budget has not recovered from the impact of COVID (the current Council budget is at a 60% shortfall). In fact, we had to cut two positions from the Berlin Final Leg team to close the budget gap. Lastly, 25 Berlin Torch Runners raised money for Kazan, representing nearly 25% of the team. With Berlin fundraising dollars being unpredictable at this point, that could potentially result in a major hit to our Berlin budget. 

Here is the example I like to use: If Sally from Program X raised $2,500 for the Kazan Final Leg, and raises $500 for the Berlin Final Leg, based on the applied credit, she would qualify for a torch. That $500 is split 50/50 between SOI and the program, leaving the Final Leg Planning Committee with $250. The purchase of a torch, with shipping, runs about $650.  SOI would have to take dollars raised by another program’s Final Leg runner, to pay for Sally’s torch. That is simply not fair to the other programs, or to their donors. 

It was also suggested that the credit be applied, and the home program could cover the cost of the Torch. The committee, or Council, will not stand in the way of a program wishing to purchase a Torch for their Final Leg Runner.  But, to take that stance “globally,” knowing there are programs out there struggling to make their own budgets, would not be wise either. 

Bottom line, I am tasked with the fiscal health of this Final Leg, and given our current budget situation, I’m not able to purchase items for which we do not have the funding to support. I think that’s a fairly prudent position to take. 

You should also know that this decision was not made in a vacuum. The Management Team of the Final Leg Planning Committee discussed this topic at length. With that said, I am the Chairman of that committee, so the final decision lands squarely in my lap. 

I hope you understand, and I am always open to any questions or comments."

The Drought is Breaking

 

THE INFORMATION DROUGHT IS BREAKING

One of the more unusual aspects of the preparations for this Final Leg event has been the delays we have experienced in releasing critical information to you.

We would have liked to have shared information about the running routes, ceremonies, accommodation etc months ago, but we simply have not been able to do so.

But the drought is breaking!

I am pleased today to publish two documents that I hope will be of value to all team members.  The first is a Team Guide which is broken into three parts:

•  THE FINAL LEG TEAM
•  FLIGHTS & HOTEL
• THE FINAL LEG

The second document is a Book of Maps.  It is a PDF document that contains the run routes for all 19 Torch runs that we will undertake between 14 and 17 June.  

Please remember that you can also access the live Alltrails maps from the Team Portal.

Click on the Cover Page images below to download the two documents. 

They are also available for download from the Team Portal.

 More to come

 

TEE-SHIRTS FOR AFRICA

For a number of years, the LETR International Executive Council has been working with Special Olympics Africa to try and get sustainable Law Enforcement Torch Run programs up and running across Africa.

The driving force behind this initiative in Africa is Joe Mutua who has responsibility within the SO Africa Region office for Program Development.

Joe was in touch with me yesterday looking for some assistance.  He is hosting a 2 hour LETR training session next week (May 30) with 20 of the 30 African Special Olympics programs and was seeking content for the session.  Thanks go out to one of our Torch Operators on the Final Leg - and Council member, Joe Carlone for volunteering to assist with the training.

Joe Mutua's email got me to thinking about other ways that we could assist.  And from that little thought bubble came 'Tee-Shirts for Africa'.

Joe will be in Berlin for the World Games and I thought it would be a great opportunity to collect some Torch Run Tee-Shirts that he could take back with him to distribute as he sees fit.

So, if you are inclined to do so, could you please throw in an extra Torch Run shirt from your program (probably something in the medium to large range) and drop it off to the Logistics Team when you arrive in Berlin.  We'll make sure they get to Joe and ultimately down to Africa.  If you can, please pin a business card to the shirt so he knows who donated it.

This is not mandatory or compulsory - only if you can and think it is a worthy idea.

Thanks

Arriving in Berlin

 WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARRIVE IN BERLIN

AIRPORT ARRIVALS

The Berlin Local Organising Committee is making arrangements to collect Final Leg Team members flying into Berlin Brandenburg Airport on Monday, 12 June 2023 and transport then to the Sheraton Berlin Grand Hotel Esplanade.  The will also provide transport from the hotel back to the airport for those team members departing on Monday, 19 June 2023.

If you are flying into Berlin before Saturday, 10 June, 2023, you are unfortunately going to be left to your own devices at Berlin Airport.  there are simply no resources available to collect you.

On Saturday, 10 June and Sunday, 11 June, the Logistics Team will meet and greet arriving team members and provide transport for them to the hotel.

On Monday, 12 June, members of the Logistics Team will be positioned at the airport to meet and greet incoming team members and direct them to the LOC Transport.

AIRPORT DEPARTURES

On Monday, 19 June, members of the Logistics Team will be positioned in the foyer of the hotel to provide assistance to team members travelling to the airport.

HOTEL CHECK-IN

When you arrive at the hotel, you will be greeted by a member of the Logistics Team and guided to the Final Leg welcome area.  Depending on the time of your arrival, your room may or may not be ready.  In the case that your room is not ready, the Logistics Team will store your luggage and you are free to go out for a walk to stretch your legs and blow the cobwebs away.  You will be given an approximate time that your room will be ready.

DELAYED FLIGHTS

In the event that your flight to Berlin is delayed, please find a way to send us an email message telling us as much as you can - where you are, how long the delay is likely to be etc.

We have created an email address which will be monitored from Saturday, 10 June for this purpose.

The email address is:

flightdelay@letr-finalleg.org

DON'T HAVE YOUR UNIFORM KIT YET?

If you have not received your Uniform Kit (you are from Europe or Asia), the Logistics Team will be set up to supply it to you upon arrival at the hotel.

If you have received your Uniform Kit, but some or all of the sizes are incorrect, please tell us on arrival at the hotel and we'll make arrangements to do a swap out.  Please note that we have very limited numbers of spare uniforms so it will be a case of first in - best dressed.

Who are you?

Name Withheld to Protect the Innocent?

Hey gang, if you are purchasing patches from the fundraising platform, or if you are a Liaison purchasing the uniform kit, PLEASE do not identify yourself as "ANONYMOUS." We kinda need to know who you are in both instances. 

Please and thank you!

The Management

What should I pack?

 

What Should I Pack for Berlin?

Greetings Torch Runners! We are a mere 12 days from many of us being wheels-up to Athens, which means the rest of the team is only 20 days from departure! Hard to believe that all of this preparation is coming to fruition very soon.

Speaking of preparation, what the heck should you pack for your adventures in Berlin? Fortunately, you all have a backpack full of gear that will represent most of your fashion options for the week. However there are a whole host of other considerations, but you should be able to pack fairly light. Here are some absolute musts, and some recommendations:

• A pair of jeans and/or long pants for casual wear
• (1) pair of LONG khaki or tan pants for the two team parties (this is a MUST, so please do not forget!)
• (1) pair of khaki or tan shorts (optional); we have a daytime event on 18 June and shorts will likely be more comfortable than pants, however they are NOT mandatory
• Underwear
• A couple of t-shirts, or casual shirts; Torch Run program shirts are great
• Running shoes; we recommend having two pair; if we hit any rain, running in soggy shoes is no fun!
• Leisure shoes
• Sunglasses (referred to from hereon out as Sunnies); a couple of quick Team rules on sunnies: you are welcome to wear them during the runs, BUT when you are carrying the Torch, or when we're on the stage at a celebration NO sunnies; pictures are always better without sunnies
• Sunscreen & lip balm
• Vaseline; primarily for the men for use on nipples (chaffing is the worst!); or small Band-Aids
• Socks; although we will provide you with running socks, we realize some are particular about socks; if you bring your own socks, they must be BLACK, have no logos, and be low cut
• Passport and local government ID (driver license)
• Prescription medication; must be in container as packaged by the pharmacy
• Toiletries; most Sheraton properties now have wall-mounted shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, however, it is better to be prepared with travel-size options just in case
• Small container or package of laundry detergent; there are a couple of clothing items that may be worn more than once; fortunately, we are not changing hotels and doing light laundry in the sink should be easy
• Dress uniform, uniform shoes/boots, and cover (hat) for Opening Ceremonies; If you do not wear a uniform in your duties, you will wear the Final Leg black polo and khaki pants for the Opening Ceremonies; ABSOLUTELY NO GUNS, WEAPONS, OR HANDCUFFS!

POWER PLUGS

Germany utilizes the two-prong power plug as pictured below, and can be purchased with a built-in USB port for phone or accessory charging. These can be purchased on Amazon, but are also available at stores such as Walmart.

CELL PHONE USAGE

Check with your cell phone service provider to determine what international calling/messaging plans are available. As an example, both AT&T and Verizon have a plan that is $10 US per day WHEN THE PHONE IS USED, and is essentially an extension of whatever usage and data plan you have at home. 

HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I BRING?

This is a completely individual decision. Virtually all of your needs will be taken care of, so cash is only needed if you wish to use it for snacks or souvenirs. As an example, when Greg and I traveled to Berlin three weeks ago, I took about €180 and came home with change. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard & American Express) are widely accepted. Check with your credit card company on any fees that may be charged when the card is used in euro denominations. 

WHAT DO I DO ONCE I LAND IN BERLIN?

Once you gather your luggage and clear German customs, you'll proceed into the arrival terminal where our friendly Logistics Team will be there to greet you and direct you to your chariot, which will whisk you to the hotel. They'll be easy to spot in their Final Leg gear.

When you arrive at the hotel, another group of Logistics folks will provide you with your room keys and direct you to the Final Leg Command Post where you will check in with Greg, Scott and I to pick up your uniform kit (for our European & Asia members) and get additional direction.

I know you have questions (Amber?)!

See everyone soon!!

CHANGES TO THE FINAL LEG TEAM

Due to unforeseen circumstances, we've had two changes to the Final Leg team in the past week:

Darryl McDonald from Nevada (Team 3) has withdrawn from the event due to family health issues.  It was a tough decision for him, but completely understandable in the circumstances.  LETR Nevada were unable to identify a replacement Torch Runner.

So we went a bit further afield (but closer at the same time).  LETR Austria responded to our call and nominated Christian Schöberl.

Christian was member of the 2017 LETR Final Leg team in Austria and was planning to be in Berlin supporting the SO Austria Team during the games.  

Welcome Christian - it's great to have you join the team.

Just today, North Carolina Torch Runner Claudia Morgan (Team 2) advised Mark McCorkle that she was withdrawing from the event due to injury.  It was a hard call to make but Claudia was not confident that she would be able to fully participate in the Torch Runs.

LETR North Carolina stepped in quickly and have nominated Ryan Jackson as Claudia's replacement.

Ryan is the LETR North Carolina State Director and has been involved with the Torch Run for over 20 years.  

The only issue we see is how he will fit into Claudia's uniform.

Welcome Ryan - thanks for stepping in

 

Fundraising!

 

We've Topped $60,000 US

Today we crested the $60,000 USD mark in our fundraiser. Great work team! Team #7 is leading the way at $8,010, with the Logistics Team not far behind at $7,845. Amber Dunn is leading the individual fundraisers with $5,362, and Jodi Williams at an even $4,000.

If you have not yet signed up to be a fundraiser, scroll down the page to the Fundraising post and jump on board. Lots of exciting personal incentives, not to mention a very special award to the top two fundraising teams!

Running Shorts

 

Alternative Running Shorts

File this Blog post under the category of, "you'll never make everyone happy." Following the USA Games Final Leg this past summer in Florida, Greg Dawson and I heard a number of complaints about the running shorts provided. Depending on the length of your legs, they bottomed out somewhere between the knee caps and the ankles. In order to give us a more traditional running look, we opted for a running short for Berlin.

Let's just say not everyone is excited about that choice either. If you cannot see yourself skipping around Berlin in Brandenburg in the shorts that were in your kit, here are two options:

1. Academy BCG Run Race, 5-inch running shorts (pictured above) come in men's and women's styles and can be purchased from academy.com for $19.95 USD

2. You may also wear compression shorts under the running shorts provided. Not leggings, and preferably not down to the knees. As we've said before, the goal is to be as uniform as possible. A compression short that hits about mid-thigh is acceptable

I hope this information is a helpful alternative.

COVID-19 Guidance

COVID-19 GUIDANCE FOR THE WORLD GAMES

The CEO of Special Olympics International, Mary Davis published fresh guidance concerning COVID-19 and its impact on the upcoming World Games yesterday.

She said:

As we approach the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, I want to take a moment to recognize the tremendous efforts and hard work put in by every member of our team to prepare for this incredible event. The amount of dedication, time, and resources that you have all invested into making these games a reality, is truly remarkable.

However, I also want to acknowledge the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for us to prioritize the health and wellbeing of all. The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and Special Olympics International (SOI) both share the objective of creating an environment with an acceptably low risk of virus transmission. We want to provide an enjoyable experience for all delegations and other stakeholder groups while delivering a successful event.

Considering this, COVID-19 will be treated like any other contagious disease during the Berlin 2023 Games. As acting responsibly is the key to success, we strongly recommend that everyone attending the games is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and avails themselves of any available vaccine booster. Regular testing is also highly recommended throughout the games, even though there will be no mandatory testing in place.

Everyone attending the World Games is encouraged to take a test before travelling to Berlin as well as during their stay in Berlin. To prevent an outbreak, it is necessary to test as soon as COVID-like symptoms occur and inform possible contact-persons. Volunteers and the workforce will also have access to Test-Kits if needed (upon request / credential pick-up). In addition, COVID-19 Test-Kits are widely available to purchase all over Berlin, so everyone in need of a Test-Kit may visit a drugstore or local pharmacy (costs: €1-2 per Test-Kit).

Masks are recommended whenever they will add to individuals’ feeling of safety, especially when distancing is not possible, and sanitizer stations will be available throughout the games. We advise all participants to follow basic hygiene recommendations, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding physical contact.

We kindly request that you disseminate this guidance to sponsors, volunteers, and individuals traveling to the Games. Their involvement is integral to the success of the Games, and we want to ensure they are informed and prepared.

We are doing everything possible to keep everyone safe, and we encourage everyone to take their health seriously.

So - to summarise:

• COVID-19 will be treated like any other contagious disease during the World Games
• It is strongly recommended that everyone attending the games be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
• Everyone attending the games is encouraged to take a COVID-19 Test before travelling to Berlin as well as during their stay.
• Masks are recommended whenever they will add to the individual's feeling of safety.
• All participants should follow basic hygiene recommendations, such as washing hands regularly etc.

OUR RECOMMENDATIONS TO YOU

The advice provided by Mary Davis is clearly aimed at a wide audience - competitors, officials, spectators and of course the Final Leg team.  Nothing in the advice is mandatory - we have reached a point where the responsibility to act in your own best interests lies with you. 

I would ask that you consider bringing a couple of COVID tests with you so that you have easy access to a test that you are familiar with in the event that you begin to experience COVID or FLU like symptoms.  Please bring a mask with you - just in case you feel the need to wear one at any time during the course of the event.

If you are feeling unwell at any time during your stay in Berlin, please tell your Team Leader.

In the case that you don't bring tests or masks, we will be able to source them for you in the event that they are required.

Stay well and healthy

 

Submitting Donation Checks

 

How to submit personal checks for your Final Leg Fundraising

A few questions have been asked about what to do if a donor wants to make a payment to you by check.

Kami Delameter has prepared a cheat sheet to walk you through the process.  You'll find a link to a PDF version of that document below.

Her instructions are as follows:

1. Collect all checks to mail at one time
2. Ensure all checks are made out to Special Olympics
3. Fill out the Check Submission Form with the relevant details 
4. Email a copy of the form to Kami (kdelameter@specialolympics.org)
5. Mail the completed Check Submission Form and checks to Special Olympics Finance at the address shown in the Information Sheet.

PLEASE DO NOT TAKE CHECKS WITH YOU TO BERLIN - MAIL THEM TO SPECIAL OLYMPICS BEFORE YOU LEAVE

Click on the buttons below to download the Check Information Sheet and the Check Submission Form

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact Kami.

 

            Khaki Shorts & Capris               

                                                 

Greetings Final Leg Family. Aspects of our Final Leg trip continue to evolve, and while Scott Whyte will be providing a much more detailed "Uniform of the Day" schedule in the coming days, I wanted to give you a quick heads up on an item to add to your Final Leg wardrobe.

We have two events scheduled (one on 13 June & one on 18 June) that will require us to wear something different than our running uniform. For those two events, we would like you to wear khaki shorts or capris. On the 13th, the Local Organizing Committee will be providing us with a t-shirt to wear as part of a national Inclusion Day event, and on the 18th, we'll be attending World Games competitions at Messe in Berlin. The latter event you will be wearing one of the polos in your uniform kit along with your shorts/capris.

Early next week, we will also be providing a comprehensive list of all the personal items you should consider bringing with you to Berlin. Most are fairly common sense, but you certainly will find some of the items on the list very helpful.

Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns!

Payment for additional Final Leg Patches

 

PURCHASING ADDITIONAL FINAL LEG PATCHES

We published a post two weeks ago telling you about the opportunity to purchase additional Final Leg patches.

You will all receive two patches - one attached (by velcro) to your backpack and a spare when you arrive in Berlin.  But you can purchase additional patches if you wish to do so.  The patches are priced at USD$10 each.

We have set up (well Kami has) a payment page on the Fundraising Website where you can make the purchase.  Payments will only be available by credit card and you will receive the additional patches upon your arrival in Berlin.

You will be taken to the Final Leg Patch Payment Page where you click on the 'Make a Donation' button

Clicking on that button brings you to this screen

Click on the OTHER button and enter a US Dollar amount in the amount field that matches how many patches you want - ie:  $10 for 1 patch, $30 for 3 patches etc.

Complete the remainder of the form with your credit card details.

You should note that we have a limited number of patches for sale and it really is first in best dressed.  If demand outstrips supply, we will do our best to get extra patches manufactured, but we are not sure at this time whether that will be possible - so get you order in early to be make sure you get what you need.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Mark McCorkle or myself.