Chris Furches has a need for speed.
Whether he’s flying down the mountain on his snowboard, running on the track or speeding around the dirt course in ATV Motocross, he always finds a way to stay in the moment.
“I just clear out my mind,” said Chris. “I don’t think about nothing when I’m doing it. It’s just clear.”
Chris, of Jonesborough, Tennessee, has been a Special Olympics athlete since he was in elementary school in 2011. Being involved with Special Olympics has helped Chris stay mentally and physically fit, especially during winter months.
And his hard work has paid off to the tune of six gold medals in the Special Olympics Tennessee Winter Games, medaling in the Special Olympics Southeast U.S. Winter Games and now earning a spot to compete in snowboarding at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025.
“I am so proud to be representing Special Olympics USA,” said Chris. “I'm just a guy from the oldest town in Tennessee and having this opportunity will be my greatest journey ever!”
Although this will be his first World Games, Chris isn’t new to top-level competition. He has won 14 Class Championships in ATV Motocross and has become a trailblazer for the sport.
“I’m the first person on the side of the United States to win a national championship with a disability,” he said. “And ever since then, I’ve inspired two new riders to join, just because of what I did.”
Chris will join Special Olympics USA for the Opening Ceremony on March 8 and begin training and competitions on March 9. And while Chris likes to move fast, he also knows how important it is to savor every moment of this once-in-a-lifetime World Games experience.
“I definitely hope to win; that’s the main goal,” he said. “But I’m really looking forward to seeing a different country. I’ve never been out of the country, so this is going to be new. So just go out there and do what you can do. That’s all that matters.”