April, 2006
For Immediate Release

Callahan Honors Local LA Marathon Hero

Blackstone--State Representative Jennifer M. Callahan will be presenting Blackstone resident John Morin with a citation in honor of his participation in the 21st Annual Los Angeles Marathon. Callahan will present him with the citation tomorrow, April 7th, at his home on 68 Main St. in Blackstone at 3:00 pm.

Morin, who races under the name "Johnny Storm," came in 18th place in the Hand Crank Wheelchair Division. Only 42 individuals entered this very challenging marathon division. Morin finished the 26.2 mile marathon in 4 minutes and 47 seconds, the fastest time he has ever completed the race.

A constituent contacted Callahan after learning about Morin's amazing accomplishment. When Callahan heard the good news, she felt he deserved to be honored for meeting such a notable challenge and being such a great athlete.

"It is amazing to have such an incredible athlete from the district I represent," said Callahan. "John worked extremely hard to overcome many obstacles in order to participate in this marathon. He prepared for more than two months to take part in the race, and his practice certainly paid off. He truly represented the best of the Commonwealth's marathon athletes in Los Angeles and I will always view him as a remarkable winner."

The Los Angeles Marathon is considered one of the best marathons to reflect the true character of a city. The course runs through the multi-cultural heart of the city. Because Los Angeles is the entertainment capitol of the world, the race offers more live on-course entertainment than any marathon in the world.

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About the Chamber

The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce serves the Blackstone River Valley's eleven member towns in Massachusetts: Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton, and Uxbridge. The mission of the chamber is to promote the economic vitality of the Blackstone Valley, meet the needs of the Chamber's business members, while providing leadership on issues which impact the economy and quality of life in the Valley.