Cherokee Bend cheers on Christopher Alexander to compete in state Special Olympics

Fourth-graders chanted Christopher Alexander’s name Friday afternoon. Wearing his Mountain Brook track uniform, Christopher wrote a big smile as he ran and slapped hands with his classmates who lined the hall.

Christopher, nicknamed “Cap,” competed in the 800-meter race of the Alabama Special Olympics at Troy State University on Saturday.

He qualified for the event at Special Olympics event in the fall. The day before that competition, the entire school “clapped out” a group of Special Olympics athletes, but Christopher was the only one from the school to advance to the state level.

“He represents a lot of people who have overcome challenges, and he represents the support of his peers,” said Christopher’s mom, Lisa Alexander. “There’s a deeper meaning to the whole thing.”

Anyone who knows Christopher will tell you he has a way of winning over hearts.

“His constant happiness is something you can’t mistake,” Jennifer Jones said. “My son and I have always said if you are having a bad day you need to stop by to see Cap and he will always cheer you up.  His positive attitude is absolute and longing for adventure with his family is not hard to miss.”

At the age of 7, Christopher became an honorary member of the Mountain Brook High School Marching Band and has never missed a game or an opportunity to march out with the drum line.  This year he was chosen as a Junior Animal Control Officer.