Up For The Challenge

Jagmunir Sankar, 64, Cabarrus Senior Games

Jagmunir Sankar has been participating in Senior Games for three years. He found out about Cabarrus County Senior Games when he took his grandson to his soccer match and saw a flyer promoting Senior Games. He thought, “This is for me!”

Being active has always been a part of Jagmunir’s life. Growing up in the Caribbean, he and his family and friends spent a lot of time playing sports. Especially the National sport, cricket, which he enjoys playing to this day. In Senior Games he participates in track events, as well as any other event he can be a part of. In 2019, Jagmunir participated and medaled in 35 events at Cabarrus County Senior Games! Winning is not the goal for him, though. “I'm not keen on winning,” he says, “I just participate for the fun and the challenge.”

Jagmunir moved to North Carolina in 2004, and he participated in runs in the area. Then, in 2008, he suffered an accident that resulted in his leg being amputated below the knee. Not letting that stop him, he wrote to the Amputee Blade Runners. The Amputee Blade Runners is a non-profit organization that provides amputees with free running prosthetics. According to the ABR website, “Health insurance companies have declared running prosthetics as “not medically necessary” and do not cover their cost. Our organization helps amputees keep an active lifestyle by providing this vital equipment free of charge.” 

Through Amputee Blade Runners, Jagmunir was able to be fitted with a running prosthesis and cycling prosthesis. Although the experience was a challenge, it was a challenge that he chose to face and overcome. “Challenges make you more responsible,” he says, “Always remember that life without struggle is life without success, so don't give up.”

Jagmunir qualified for and participated in the 2019 National Senior Games in Albuquerque, NM. He competed in the 400 Meter Run, and the 1500 Meter and 5000 Meter Race Walks. “Getting to go to the Nationals and Albuquerque, that was a special moment for me. I really enjoyed it. The participation was great, the excitement, and you know that scale of competition! It really stands out in my memory,” he says.

Jagmunir continues to challenge himself through Senior Games. “Senior Games is really, really enjoyable and motivating. It's a life-changing situation when you get into Senior Games. It shows you what other people are doing and what you can do. Don't let the challenge dishearten you, pick yourself up and just do what you can do!”