It’s hard for anyone to truly grasp the scope of what Special Olympics does until they are involved with and immersed in its community. This certainly rings true for University of Massachusetts Boston Police Sergeant, Dianne Kirkpatrick, whose journey with Special Olympics Massachusetts began with a simple invitation from friends in Law Enforcement. They urged Sgt. Kirckpatrick to join them at various events organized by the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) to raise funds for Special Olympics MA. Little did she know that these early invitations would lead to a life-long passion she never anticipated.

“I did know that Special Olympics existed, but not to the degree that I see now,” said Sgt. Kirckpatrick. “I didn't know that there was more that I could have been doing all this time. So now that I know, I'm all in and I'm screaming it from the rooftops to anybody that will listen.”

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Filling seemingly every weekend with Polar Plunges, volunteering at local tournaments, and helping to secure donations for Special Olympics Massachusetts quickly became more than just a pastime. She found herself forming connections with athletes across the state, and even around the country, like Susan from Special Olympics Illinois, who sent Sgt. Kirckpatrick handmade bracelets for her birthday.

Determined to deepen her involvement, Sgt. Kirckpatrick applied to participate in the Final Leg leading up to the 2024 Summer Games. For her, it was the perfect way to contribute even more to the Special Olympics community.

“After being involved in all the other aspects that I knew I could, it was like a natural transition for me to try to be more involved and build better connections with athletes,” she said. “I think most people don't even realize that Special Olympics has the Summer Games, an actual large-scale event that's statewide. I don't think people understand or even realize that it’s happening. So, us going around to different parts of the state, it brings awareness. Even if you get a couple more people involved because they see us running down the street, that's just more people getting involved with Special Olympics.”

Sgt. Kirckpatrick is most excited for one stop in particular during the Final Leg—the Dorchester Boys and Girls Club, located near her campus. This stop holds special significance, as it represents a chance to connect with local children in Boston who might one day become Special Olympics athletes.

When asked about her favorite part of being involved with LETR, she became teary-eyed.  

“Just the beautiful hearts of the athletes that come right up to you, you're in uniform. They don't know you, but they just see what you represent—somebody that's safe and that will be there for them and they want to hug you,” said Sgt. Kirckpatrick. “It's just heartwarming and you know, the type of work that we do, it's when you have a bad day that you remember those moments and it makes the days better.”