Adventure Race World Championship event in Galicia - Spain.
Shane Hagerman
James Galipeau
Richard Sparks
Katherine Ferrington
From the Mac Parkman Foundation: On September 24th, 2020, our son, brother, and friend, Maconnell (Mac) Parkman took his life after fighting mental health issues that were related to a series of three known concussions he sustained in wrestling, football, and other concussive activities such as snowboarding in his freshman and sophomore years. After each concussive incident, they cleared Mac to return to the sports he loved but continued to suffer from what something now known as sub-concussive trauma through continued participation games and physical activities. As football and wrestling are back-to-back, long-season sports, Mac was taking part in activities that were unknowingly affecting his brain for almost 10 months a year. The continued exposure to sub-concussive trauma prevented the proper healing process necessary for a developing adolescent brain and led to the development of mental health issues, such as depression and possible severe psychosis which Mac decided to bravely hide from his family, coaches, and friends to shield them from sharing his pain. As the pain and anguished increased, Mac continued to fight bravely until his mental anguish resulting him in deciding to leave this life behind.
Today, millions of young Americans like Mac undergo concussions, primarily through participation in sport-related activities. While most of the focus regarding sports concussions focuses on the “acute” or sideline related protocols, they place little or no attention on the long-term follow-up of concussed athletes, particularly those with two or more concussions or multi-sport athletes. The resulting knowledge gap in the long-term impact of sports-related concussive and sub-concussive trauma to the adolescent brain prevents parents, coaches, athletic trainers, and medical practitioners from making informed decisions regarding sports participation, providing long-term follow-up evaluations and is contributing to the increasing amount of American athletes with hidden or identified psychological disorders that can lead to serious self-harm, aggression, and even suicide. https://www.mpfact.com
Mountain Race Company (MRC) is aligned with the Mac Parkman Foundation. We hope that Adventure Racing and the subset of activities can provide an exciting alternative to full contact sports and provide a foundation for appreciation of the outdoors.
Last messages
To dfsjr9 and others- You guys are almost there! I am rooting for you guys! We love you!
As I have done every morning while having my yummy, unhealthful doughnut, checking on you and your team. Congratulations, Richard. You stayed in the race. Safe travels coming back home.
You got this! Keep moving! Every step is a step forward.
Richard and team, You are inspiring. You are strong. You will overcome every obstacle. Continue to be the best version of yourself and you will always win.
Two days and 10 hours to go! Hoping you all stay safe. Jeremy Goetz’ dad told me to say hello, Richard, and “good luck to you and your team.”
To Richard and Team members. Hope you have a fruitful and successful day today.
What a race!! Chin up, and stay strong despite the elements you're dealing with. Go team!!!
All we can ever do is to do our best in any situationmany bumps and detours in one’s life’s journey. So when you and your present and former teammates return home, I hope you will bring the special memories with you. I am looking forward, Richard, to reading and enjoying your descriptive writing of your current adventures.
Hi honey, I’m happy you were able to continue the race! You are inspiration and I admire your strength, determination and positive mind set ❤️ Have fun out there and wishing you amazing experiences!
RLS, Thank you for once again facilitating my favorite spectator sport, dot watching. I know you’re crushing it out there. Keep killing it and STAY SAFE!!!
Richard, your determination and persistence are truly inspiring!!! I so admire your fierce spirit to keep moving forward and breaking through challenges. You have worked so hard to be there and have this opportunity!! Make this an amazing adventure!!! :)
Go MRC!! Run paddle bike!!!! Kick butt!! Eat a celebratory donut!
Richard, This is an amazing feat no matter what the outcome! You are all amazing! ¡Buenas Suerte!
Guys, so excited to see you're pressing on, even if it isn't the race you expected. Squeeze the life out of it and stay strong!
Keep it up team!
I'm sure you guys are itching to get back on the course. Finish strong!
Stay strong! All of you are awesome. Very inspiring what you're doing!! Keep it up!!!
I can't wait to hear the story behind whatever was happening while your little dot wasn't moving! Enjoy every moment of the rest of this event- hoping you stay warm and dry from here on in!
Richard and crew, stay strong and keep fighting!! You’re an inspiration to so many. Cheering from Nashville TN!
I guess you are still officially on Team 63. I could not send a msg to you on 54. So-o-o many ups and downs-it has to be tough-but so are you. Best wishes🍀-Big hug, Mom
Let's go fellas! Get some good rest and finish strong. Don't forget to look around and enjoy the view.
Hi Richard, Sending this also to Team 54. Oh my, all the ups and downs and the race is barely half way. I’m sure there is lots to tell. I’m watching you from afar everyday. Big hug, Mom
Richard Lee Sparks
Stay strong team!
Keep your spirits up and keep moving forward!
Oh the stories I think you all have! Great work! Keep it up!