Team Communication #10

15 December 2016

Dear 2017 Austria Final Leg Team Members;

Don Stuart and I just got back from a quick "final" planning trip to Austria to meet with our 2017 Austria Final Leg Torch Run colleagues there. Adi Reiter and Markus Glossl have been hard at work reviewing all of the Torch Run routes and runs and with this information, we are now in the final stages of completing the 2017 Austria Final Leg Torch Run Event Guide which will have a LOT of information about the exact runs, cities, towns and communities we will visit and a myriad of other things that you will want to know about the event.  Scott Whyte will be working his magic to put the finishing touches on this guide and we have to have it out to all of you soon after the beginning of the year.

As the holiday season approaches, I believe we have a lot to celebrate and be thankful for.  This year our worldwide Law Enforcement efforts reached new heights, collectively raising more money than ever before in an economy that while recovering, continues to be challenging, and we are all thankful for this!

I am personally thankful for your friendship and for the camaraderie that we all share as Final Leg Team members, Torch Runners, law enforcement officers, Special Olympics staff and volunteers, and most importantly, with Special Olympics athletes all over the world.  Please indulge me because I know that many of you have heard this from me before, but I truly mean it and feel it necessary to express this to you, my friends, once again!  During this time of year there is often talk of miracles.  I believe in miracles because I have been witness to miracles; the miracles of Special Olympics!  My very favorite quote that I like to use at this time of the year is one that I believe has special meaning to our efforts....."We never know what miracles are right in front of us!  Remember, often times things are not as they seem to be.  Things can change instantly with the "change" of perception." --Michelle W. Seasons --  Each and every one of you are responsible for changing perceptions, the perceptions of our citizens with intellectual disabilities, and thus, YOU are responsible for making miracles happen!  

In the spirit of the holiday season, I wish each and every one of you and your families, the Very Merriest of Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, a joyous Kwanza, and a VERY Happy, Healthy, Safe, and Prosperous New Year!

John

John Newnan

Team Captain

2017 Austria Final Leg