JONESBORO, Tenn. (WJHL) — Chris Furches took up snowboarding like a fish out of water a few years ago, and now the 24-year-old’s skills in the sport are leading him to next year’s Special Olympics World Championships in Turin. received an invitation. Italy.
“It’s a real honor for me and I’m just counting down the days,” said Furches, who won two gold medals at the Tennessee Special Olympics Winter Games in Ober Gatlinburg. he told News Channel 11 a few days after the acquisition.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing you all and seeing what real snow feels like. I mean, it’s going to be a big deal.”
Furches has been racing motocross for more than 10 years and said it was only natural for him to switch to snowboarding about four years ago.
“It definitely helps keep balance,” he said. “In my opinion, I believe being in this sport will make me a better motocross racer and snowboarder.”
Furches won gold medals in the giant slalom and slalom events in Ober Gatlinburg. He already knew by the time he entered that tournament that he was eligible to represent Tennessee at the 2025 World Games in Turin, March 8-16. He is scheduled to head to Salt Lake City next month for training, which, aside from lots of practice next year, will be his last preparation for the big trip to Europe.
Furches said he loves the feeling of riding his board down the mountain. Despite the emphasis on coordination, it is very different from motocross. There are no noisy motors or throttles, just gravity and speed.
“I love the freedom of it,” he said. “I love going down hills, it’s actually more relaxing than motocross. It takes your mind somewhere else, and you can stand on top of a mountain and see everything from above. And it’s even more amazing. Just being there makes me feel free.”
What’s not free is a trip to Italy. Furches and his family have begun the process of trying to raise $10,000 for the trip. For more information about his fundraising efforts, please visit this webpage.