Meet Jamie Staton's Virtual Running Team: Mile 21

Mark Elliott & Rachel Maxim
Name: Mark Elliott
Age: 29
Hometown: Fremont
Local Program: Exeter Area Athletes
Sports: Athletics & Bowling

Mark Elliott believes that Special Olympics has helped him push himself and further his own abilities over the years, which has given him more confidence in other areas of his life. Mark started Special Olympics when he was eight years old. Originally, he started in another state before moving to New Hampshire. When asked what the feeling was like the first time he competed his mother answered, “He was over the moon, would be a good way to put it. He loved so much about it. The atmosphere was electric and he was psyched. There was so much comradery, people high-fiving, and smiling. He loved all of that.” When asked what his favorite thing about Special Olympics is Mark said, “It is the friendships, the feeling of accomplishment, and the fun.”
Name: Rachel Maxim
Age: 31
Hometown: Charlestown
Local Program: Fall Mountain Special Olympics
Sports: Athletics, Alpine Skiing, Bocce and Bowling

Rachel Maxim was shocked when she was selected to represent Team New Hampshire at the 2018 USA Games. When asked what it means to her she responded by saying, “It means a lot to me as I want to make my state, local program, friends, and family really proud.” This is not the first time Rachel has competed on a big stage. She competed at the 1999 World Summer Games in Raleigh, North Carolina on the athletics team. She is really looking forward to meeting new people, possibly famous people, and just having fun and competing at the highest level she can. Rachel plans on training to the best of “her ability” in preparation for the 2018 USA Games.