Two years ago, the Gloucester Police Department offered Officer Chris Liacos the opportunity to attend the Special Olympics Massachusetts State Flag Football Tournament at Gillette Stadium. Not really knowing what to expect, Chris was thrown into his first Opening Ceremonies, including the iconic LETR high-5 tunnel, followed by competition and medaling, where he was able to present hard-working athletes with their well-deserved medals.  

"It was a lot of fun, and from there, I found myself increasingly drawn to the cause," he said.

But what exactly kept Chris coming back year after year, dedicating a significant portion of his time, including vacation days and weekends, to the Mission?

"I have a personal connection," he explained. "My son is on the autism spectrum, and supporting Special Olympics is important to me. Spending time with the athletes and fellow participants feels like being part of a family."

Chris exemplifies how the partnership between Law Enforcement and Special Olympics serves a crucial purpose beyond just raising funds and awareness. "It builds a better connection with the community," he said. "It's not just about fundraising; it's about fostering inclusion and spreading positivity."

As a returning runner for the Final Leg, Chris does know a little bit about what he’s getting himself into this time around, compared to that Flag Football State Tournament two years ago. What he’s expecting is a week of laughs, inside jokes, relationship building, and inclusion.

His favorite memory from the 2023 Final Leg was simple, "Meeting new people and forming friendships along the way.” Chris also touched on the fun he had at Bowl for a Goal last year, which was one of the partner stops for the 2023 Final Leg Team with our friends at the New England Revolution. Meeting the Revs players and watching Special Olympics athletes interact with them off the playing field was a core memory for Chris.

In reflecting on the purpose of events like the Final Leg, Chris summed up the essence of LETR. "It's about fostering partnerships and spreading the word of inclusion," he said. "And along the way, we're having fun and making a difference in people's lives."

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