Last month, more than 40 Special Olympics Tennessee Train 4 Life™ athletes attended the 2024 Music City Fit Expo, where they showcased the skills they learned from local D1 Training Centers. Rooted in inclusivity, health and a welcoming environment, the athletes encapsulated the mission of Special Olympics by demonstrating their physical abilities and lifelong friendships. The exposition showcased hundreds of different athletes and fitness organizations from around the state, and the Train 4 Life™ athletes were so excited to participate in the Special Olympics Fitness Games in front of hundreds of other like-minded sportspeople.
From Franklin High School, 16-year-old Carter Jones is one of the athletes working out through the Train 4 Life™ program, which has positively impacted his life's physical and social aspects. Jones' favorite part about the program is how it makes him a better athlete overall for his basketball and flag football competitions and how “doing all those exercises… keeps us all healthy and strong.”
Along with physical training, Jones has also gained solid companionships and connections with his fellow athletes. He has met several people from around the city, and after listing the many friends he has made through the Train 4 LifeTM program.
“They’re all special to me," said Jones. "I’m really glad I got to do it.”
Lastly, Jones's competitive spirit revealed itself during the event, where he participated in agility, speed, and strength training exercises.
“I’m going to try my best," said Jones. "I’m going to do whatever it takes to win. I’ve been training and I’ve been doing my workouts!”
His hard work paid off, as he successfully completed each event's stages and finished second out of all the athletes for strength exercises, with 50 deadlifts in a minute. Jones is a shining example of the determination, endurance, and companionship that Special Olympics helps athletes achieve.
Thank you to the Music City Fit Expo for hosting our athletes and to Carter Jones for the inspiring interview!
