Meet the toughest of the tough at Challenged Athletes Foundation fundraiser

U.S. Olympic volleyball player Sean Rooney and double amputee marathoner Jami Goldman-Marseilles will share their inspiring stories of achievement at an upcoming Challenged Athletes Foundation Fundraiser sponsored by Chapman University’s Department of Physical Therapy and the College of Educational Studies.

The two athletes will speak Tuesday, Aug. 20, at 7 p.m. at Sports Conditioning and Rehabilitation, 871 S. Tustin St. in Orange. The event is part of a continuing series of talks showcasing athletes who’ve overcome obstacles to achieve professional and personal success. Previous talks have featured World Cup soccer player and Olympic gold medalist Shannon Boxx, Paralympian John Siciliano, New England Patriot Matthew Slater and above-the-knee amputee Travis Ricks.

Goldman-Marseilles is the only female double amputee to compete in a half marathon. She will share how exercise helped her recover and excel in a new life. She is also the author of Up and Running: The Jami Goldman Story.

Rooney will talk about what it’s like to compete in the Olympics. He made his Olympic debut at the 2008 Games in Beijing, helping lead Team USA to a gold medal. He was also a member of the 2012 U.S. National Team in London.

Admission is free, but there will be opportunities to participate in raffles and a silent auction. To RSVP, email nbarrad1@cox.net by Friday, Aug. 16.