Brendan Callahan Has Got Game

Brendan Callahan, 16, is a good student and enjoys algebra. But he will look you in the eye and tell you what he wants you to know about him: "I'm an athlete."  A gold medal athlete, in fact.

Brendan competed with other Special Olympians at the 2011 Winter Games on March 12 and 13. His basketball team (which includes another Medford High School student) played 3 very hard games. Good things came in threes that day.  His team won all 3 games, and Brendan made 3 baskets.  Those 3 wins earned his team the gold medal.

Brendan likes that the Special Olympics gives him an opportunity to play hard.  In fact, he says his key to awesomeness on the basketball court is his speed.  Brendan has played basketball in the Special Olympics for two victorious years now, and will also be training for track and field next year.  Training is through EMARC  which offers competitive and recreational training.  It's through the recreational program that Brendan and his dad have been improving their golf game at Mount Hood.

Competing this year has really charged him up, his mom Susan reports.  Last year Brendan seemed to be finding his feet, but this year has really made a difference.  And no doubt, next year Brendan will prove he is no one-sport wonder.