Carlisle Chief of Police Andrew Amendola is about to combine three of the biggest Special Olympics MA initiatives: The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), Xtra Mile, and Polar Plunge. Why? As a member of the 2024 Boston Marathon Xtra Mile Team, Chief Amendola is bringing an LETR sponsored Polar Plunge to his community as a fundraising initiative to support his run and simultaneously spread awareness.
Prior to registering for the Boston Marathon, Chief Amendola spent many days participating in Special Olympics events and programs through the LETR for Special Olympics MA.
“My experience with Special Olympics is the constant partnership between Law Enforcement and learning the stories, attending Summer Games, and hearing the Cruiser Convoy go by,” he said. “I thought it would be such a good cause to fundraise for.”
By first being introduced to Special Olympics through LETR, Chief Amendola was able to see athletes in action. He was inspired by their skill level, dedication, and passion for sports and inclusion. It wasn’t long until he discovered that there were even more ways to participate.
“Sergeant Kerry Baxter was involved with the LETR Final Leg last summer, and I thought that was very interesting,” explained Chief Amendola. “When we were talking about the Marathon, she had mentioned that Special Olympics also has bibs and you can fundraise for them. That’s what really led me down that road to reach out.”
Running the Boston Marathon is not a new experience for Chief Amendola, as he previously completed the 2021 Boston Marathon.
“I use the term ‘run’ lightly,” he joked. “Ever since I was a kid, I would watch the Marathon. My family had connections to Brookline and the Marathon goes right down Beacon Street; so, we used to set up on the sides and watch the runners and cheer them on.”
In October of 2021, Chief Amendola finally got to be one of the runners that spectators cheered for as he ran down Beacon Street. And after getting a taste of what Marathon Weekend is like for a runner, he was eager to return…but this time for something “greater.”
“I just feel like there is more of a responsibility to represent and I feel like I’m running for something—for a better cause and a bigger purpose,” he said.
Participants on the Boston Marathon Xtra Mile Team have a fundraising minimum of $10,000, which Chief Amendola is hoping to raise through a Polar Plunge, while simultaneously spreading the mission of Special Olympics to the Carlisle community.
“The Polar Plunge is twofold. I thought it was an excellent Community Policing idea. To just get the whole community together and do something spontaneous and fun while supporting this amazing cause,” he said. “I don’t want my running the Marathon to overshadow bringing awareness to the town of Carlisle.”
More than anything, Chief Amendola wants his fundraising efforts to be centered first and foremost around awareness and propelling the mission of Special Olympics further into Carlisle and surrounding communities.
“Everyone is fundraising for the Marathon. Everyone has different causes and different fundraising pages which is great; but then you just donate and are done with it,” said Chief Amendola. “When you’re there and fundraising and involving yourself, it’s more meaningful.”
The LETR Carlisle Polar Plunge will take place on Thursday, February 29th at 3:15 PM at Carlisle Public School. Click here if you want to join Chief Amendola in taking the plunge or learn more about the event!
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