By Lori Bledsoe
The Alpine Sun
It all started with the strength of one man, who through determination and an iron will, found the ability to carry on, and complete an Ironman World Championship. To complete this completion is a great feat, in itself, but to complete it as a disabled athlete is an incredible accomplishment. Jim McLaren was one of the first para-thriathletes to complete this challenge, but his true legacy comes in the form of a foundation that was formed to honor and help him through his trials.
By Lori Bledsoe
The Alpine Sun
It all started with the strength of one man, who through determination and an iron will, found the ability to carry on, and complete an Ironman World Championship. To complete this completion is a great feat, in itself, but to complete it as a disabled athlete is an incredible accomplishment. Jim McLaren was one of the first para-thriathletes to complete this challenge, but his true legacy comes in the form of a foundation that was formed to honor and help him through his trials.
In 1985, Jim McLaren lost his leg, below the knee after he was hit by a New York City Bus. His athletic spirit pushed him to continue to compete, and even with a prosthetic, he completed the Ironman World Championship in 1989, and then three years later he completed a better time, and the New York City Marathon. Each race, MacLaren set new records for amputee athletes.
In 1993 MacLaren was in another triathlon, and was hit by a van. He became paralyzed from his injuries. His spirit remained strong, indomitable in fact, and his good friend Bob Babbitt, along with a group of other friends of MacLaren started a race to raise money. This effort grew into a phenomenal organization called the Challenged Athletes Foundation which has raised over 28 million dollars since that first race to help disabled athletes around the world.
Challenged Athletes Foundation is a non-profit organization that offers assistance to disabled athletes as well as veterans who have permanent physical injuries. They raise money through their foundation by way of races, donations, and grants, to provide necessary prosthetic hardware for those in need.
Boulder Oaks Elementary School welcomed CAF on Friday, February 20, to speak to the students at a Challenged Athletes Fitness Assembly. Presenters for this assembly included Scout Bassett, and Detective James “Chappie” Hunter.
Scout Bassett lost her right leg due to severe burns and endured a childhood of hardship, abuse and child labor after she was abandoned at a Chinese orphanage. But Scout’s incredible spirit pushed her until one day a miracle happened for her. When she least expected it she was adopted by an American family and with the help of CAF her life was changed forever. Scout actively competes in triathlons, while wearing a prosthetic. She shared her inspiring story, and even demonstrated her daily routine regarding her prosthetic leg, and the running gear that enables her to compete.
Scout is passionate about pursuing her athletic interests, educating people about the physically challenged and helping raise funds to allow remarkable individuals like herself to live active lifestyles. She is an inspiration for all to follow your dreams and live extraordinary lives.
“Chappie” also presented to the students, and The Alpine Sun, Photographer, Rod Hinrichsen said, “If you are having a bad day, just be around Chappie, and it will all change”.
Chappie Hunter’s story is inspiring as well. In 2013, Chappie was in a motorcycle accident and lost his leg. But even while he was in recuperation, he said that he didn’t want to waste any energy looking back. He wanted to focus his energy on his future. He wanted to get back to his family, and his job, and he did. He was introduced to CAF just days after he lost his leg, and in less than a year, he was running on a CAF Operation Rebound funded running foot. He is now an active endurance sports athlete and a mentor for other challenged athletes. He said, “CAF Operation Rebound’s support of my recovery has brought joy to my entire family. I am proud to be a part of the CAF Operation Rebound team and will endeavor to be a positive example for others,”
Mykenna Dyke, a student at Alpine Elementary was also a part of this powerful assembly. Mykenna wears a prosthetic leg and showed that she could accomplish great things. She showed everyone how she could jump rope, and how her own disabilities didn’t stop her from doing what she really wanted to do.
