Jamie Kirchner was a true competitor.

​It didn't matter if it was a game of checkers with his grandmother, arm wrestling with his sister,
or competing in the state Special Olympics, he took the Special Olympics pledge to heart.

"Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." 
 
Born with Down Syndrome in 1968, James Clifford Kirchner never let his health problems keep him down.
When he was short on stamina, he was long on determination. And his desire to win didn't keep him from cheering on his team mates.
 
His effervescent spirit encouraging his team mates earned him a TV commercial or Special Olympics, and the "Spirit of Life" award given by the McDonald's Corporation.
 
Jamie enjoyed traveling, camping, playing cards and checkers, and going to WWF wrestling matches with his brother.

​While we all miss Jamie since he passed away in 2000 at the age of 31, his spirit of competitiveness, joy,
and happiness will always be with us, inspiring us to always strive to do our best--and then some!