James Tabares

 

Sport: 

Triathlon

Biography:

In 2010, James ran the Boston Marathon and was planning on running again the next year. At the time, James was a student and President of the school’s Veterans Club. In the military he was a paratrooper and enjoyed boxing and competing in Ultimate Fighting events.

On June 2, 2011, the day after graduating with his Associates degree, James was in a motor vehicle accident that changed his life. Immediately, he was air lifted to the nearest trauma center and sent to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to await emergency surgery. He was told that he may never walk again.

After deploying to Afghanistan for 3 consecutive tours, people told James “its a shame that you made it through all those years and this had to happen”. James’ life’s path had radically changed. James spent two months hospitalized and has endured years of physical therapy. There’s a saying that James learned in the Army that became his motto “slow is smooth and smooth is fast”. After all the therapies, though now an upside quadriplegic James is able to walk.

In January 2015 James was introduced to CAF Operation Rebound and soon thereafter competed in his first triathlon post-injury.

“CAF Operation Rebound has a huge impact on peoples lives.” – James Tabares

The generosity of supporters like you has given James the opportunity to compete again.

How Does Operation Rebound Help?

Operation Rebound provides unparalleled sports opportunities and support to our troops and veterans of any branch of service and first responders who have served honorably and have suffered permanent physical injuries. Grants are awarded for event travel, lodging, entry fees, training and equipment.

How Can You Help?

Make a tax-deductible contribution to Challenged Athletes, Inc., (dba Challenged Athletes Foundation) a non-profit 501 (C) (3) organization. To make a donation, please call (858) 866-0959, send a check to the address listed below, or make a secure payment through our website: www.challengedathletes.org.