JAMES 38

Hello, my name is JAMES Chalmers.I am a part of the Red Wing delegation in Area 10. Along with being a Special Olympics Minnesota athlete, I am also a coach in the sports of aquatics, athletics and bowling.I have a birth defect, called Cri du Chat syndrome. Because of this, my life was more limiting than my friends and classmates. ---------------------------------------------------------- 1971 ‘92 S.O. SPORTS 17 YEARS!!!! BOWLING, SWIMMING, & TRACK & FEID!!!! H.SCHOOL SPORTS 26 YEARS!!!! 26 YEARS WITH FOOTBALL!!!! 8-15 games a YEAR!!! TIME 4-10 7 TO 8 & 1/2 HOURS A HOME GAME!!!! BASKTBALL, '94 TO '07!!!! '93 T0 '96 BASEBALL. HELP OUT AT CHURCH, H FOR H. 1991 THE ONLY MGR WITH BCC RED R FOOTBALL TEAM - 1992-------------------------------------------------------- ---Today, because of Special Olympics, I can meet the world head on. Also, the coaching has taught me more about myself than anything else I have done.I working for the Red Wing Shoe Company. I have been working there for over 10 years.Special Olympics’ Oath: “Let me win, But if I cannot win, Let me be brave in the attempt.”FOOTBALL, B.BALL, TRACK, SWIMMING, DOWNHILL SKINING, JAMES CHALMERS I have been coaching S.O. for 15 years, and my coaching has given me greater strength and knowledge about who I am, as well as giving me a great deal of satisfaction seeing the athletes develop both physically and socially.GIVING BACK TO THE TOWN OF RED WING AND TO Special Olympics --------------------------------------------------(Marathons .)Another benefit of being involved in Special Olympics has been an increase in self confidence. This confidence enabled me to decide to run a marathon. When my older brother suggested we run the Med City Marathon, I was motivated to do it.2 years ago I ran the Marathon, here in Rochester. In preparation I followed a 5 month training program. Both of my brothers had run marathons before.The training took place beginning in January, so it was difficult with the cold, snow and ice. But I got through the training just fine.My goal was to run the marathon in under 4 hours. I did that, with a time of 3 hours and 59 minutes. I felt so proud of this accomplishment, that I decided to run the Twin Cities Marathon this past October.My goal was to run a better time than my 1st marathon. I did that. My time was 3 hours and 19 minutes. 40 minutes faster than my 1st one. My family and friends were blown away with the time. I was too.While I was running the Twin Cities Marathon, people kept calling out my name. A runner next to me asked, “Are you the mayor or something. Everyone knows you.” I said no, I just have my name printed on my shirt.I took the advantage to use the marathon as fund raiser for our Red Wing Special Olympic Teams. I went and talked to groups and businesses about my goal. I not only raised more awareness of Special Olympics, but I was able to raise over $3,200.----------------------------------------------------- ------I HAVE A BIG Family.MY BROTHER CHRIS HAS 3 BOYS. MY BROTHER MIKE HAS 1 GIRL AND 2 BOYS.MY SISTER ANN HAS 1 BOY AND 2 GIRLS.MY SISTER KATE IS Married NO KIDS.I LOVE MY CLAN,. ---------------------------------------------FOOTBALL TEAM: The Washington Redskins