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!

‍Mike Ewing 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 Mike!

Where did you grow up? ''I grew up in Minnesota (in a town called Minnetonka, the birthplace of Tonka Toys)"

‍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!) ''While I didn't grow up in Boston, I've been here for nearly 25 years and have grown to consider it home.  I cheer for the Sox and the Pats which has come over time, while I've been a lifelong Celtics fan.  I moved to Boston for a job in 1994 and haven't looked back since."

‍What does Special Olympics mean to you? “Special Olympics is about the amazing power of sports as a unifier, an equalizer and a tool to build self-confidence.  Special Olympics allows every one regardless of skill, talent, experience or ability to experience the feeling of completion, enjoy the satisfaction of attempting to do your best and delivering regardless of the outcome.”

How did you get involved with Special Olympics? “I started as an event volunteer over 30 years ago.  I then had a full-time job working for Special Olympics International around the time of the organization’s 25^th anniversary in 1993 (in 2018 Special Olympics is celebrating its 50^th!)  I’ve been a fund-raiser for Special Olympics, a coach, a state and international games volunteer – but, my favorite way to stay involved is as a fan.  I love cheering for athletes at events.”

Did you grow up watching the Boston Marathon/ volunteering? “Since moving to Boston in 1994 the Boston Marathon has always had a special place in my Spring calendar.  I love the tradition and celebration… the morning Sox game, hundreds of thousands of spectators and thousands of runners from around the world.  It’s the colors of Spring and the beginning of everything that Summer has to offer.  I haven’t been to the Marathon every year in the past 20+ years, but I have been a spectator every year since 2013!”

Have you ran a marathon before? “Boston 2018 will be my first – wish me luck!”

Do you have a motto? “Figure out what’s really important… because if everything is important, nothing is important.”

What motivates you to go running when you really don’t feel like it? “Running actually makes me feel better (when I’m done), but there are days when I don’t have the energy to start.  On those days I make this deal with myself “…just lace up your shoes…”  I almost always find that by the time I’ve laced up my shoes I have enough momentum to get out the door – unless it’s raining or snowing, on those days I need a much harder nudge, like my wife and kids reminding me how many weeks until Boston, and it just might be raining on Patriots day.”

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