Meet the 2018 Xtra Mile Boston Marathon Team helping us to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of the Special Olympics Movement by running 26.2 miles for inclusion!‍

Kyle Krueger is just one runner of our 26 member Boston Marathon team who's not only making a difference in the lives of our athletes in 2018, but will have a lasting impact on Special Olympics Massachusetts that will help our movement and organization continue to support the athletes of today and tomorrow as we look forward towards the next 50 years of sports opportunities and inclusion!

Read on to learn more about Kyle!

Where did you grow up? ''I am a proud Texan! Born and raised in Houston, Texas, and I grew up in the suburb of Sugar Land."

‍Do you have any connection to Boston - If so, tell me about it (i.e. from Boston, moved for school or a job, or just want to run!) ''Boston became my home away from home during four years as an undergrad at Harvard. Though I graduated in 2014 and moved away, Boston definitely has a big place in my heart!"

‍What does Special Olympics mean to you? ''The mission of Special Olympics is something I really care about. Empowering people with intellectual disabilities through sport is such a powerful mission, and it intersects with many things I feel connected to. Most importantly, growing up with a brother with Down syndrome has made supporting opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities really important to me. Secondly, athletics has played such a pivotal role in shaping my own life, and I think that spreading the life lessons of sport through Special Olympics is very meaningful. Inclusion, perseverance, camaraderie, courage and teamwork are values we can all aspire to!"

‍How did you get involved with Special Olympics? ''Special Olympics has been part of my life since I was young. My brother Jack competed in several sports when he was growing up, and I know we both still have medals from our Unified swim relays! Through high school, volunteering with organizations that created opportunities for people with disabilities became a part of my life, including supporting some of our local Special Olympics teams and volunteering with a Challenger Little League. Now that my brother is a young adult, he has become reconnected with Special Olympics. Getting to compete in the Texas Special Olympics basketball tournaments was one of the highlights of his year, so I know how important the organization can be to individuals like Jack!"

‍Have you ever ran the Boston Marathon before? ''Nope, this will be my very first marathon."

‍What's the craziest thing on your bucket list? What on your bucket list that you've done that you are most proud of? ''Running the Boston Marathon is probably the craziest thing on my bucket list! I'm so excited to get the opportunity to cross it off that list."

‍Support Kyle in her Fundraising Efforts Today!

‍Want to run, bike, or participate in a triathlon to support Special Olympics Massachusetts? Join the Xtra Mile Today!