Participants in the Tour de Cove cycling marathon raised $92,000. Photograph by Cliff Endsley, courtesy of CAF.
A record-breaking $3.1 million was raised by the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) over its weekend of fundraising and sporting events culminating with the 22nd Annual Aspen Medical Products San Diego Triathlon Challenge (SDTC) on October 18. Swimming, surfing, running, cycling, awards, clinics, and camaraderie framed the weekend’s events.
On Friday, October 16, 150 cyclists arrived in San Diego after raising $1.6 million for CAF during the 10th anniversary of the seven-day, 620-mile Mazda Foundation Million Dollar Challenge cycle ride down the California coast from San Francisco. CAF also held six clinics that day, each designed to teach challenged athletes the skills and confidence they need to reach their physical fitness and athletic goals. Reid Hester, a six-year-old with a transtibial amputation, was given a custom Össur FLEX-RUN Junior prosthetic foot with a Nike sole at the Össur Running and Mobility Clinic where attendees learned proper running form and technique through fun drills and exercises. Other clinics included an Open Water Swim Clinic, Cavignac & Associates Kids Surf Clinic, Wheelchair Obstacle Course, Tandem Cycling Clinic, and a Pool Swim Clinic.
The Aldrich brothers on a run. Photograph courtesy of CAF.
“A Celebration of Abilities” motivational gala was held that evening to showcase stories about CAF’s athletes and supporters, including Noah and Lucas Aldrich who were this year’s Rising Star Award winners. Seven-year-old Lucas was born with lissencephaly, a rare condition that prevents him from walking or speaking, and Noah is his nine-year-old brother. When Noah decided to do a YMCA Kid’s Triathlon, there was no question that, like everything else, Lucas would be at his side. From pulling Lucas on a raft for the 200m swim, a three-mile bike with a trailer, to finally pushing Lucas in a buggy for a mile run, Noah made sure they stayed side by side from start to finish line. Lucas wore his trademark smile the whole time. To Noah, seeing his brother happy was well worth the effort, leading them to be named as the award winners.
Volunteers were on hand to help triathletes at transition points. Photograph by GoShiggyGo Photography, courtesy of CAF.
The weekend concluded with the SDTC events. On Sunday, October 18, more than 5,000 CAF supporters met at La Jolla Cove, raising $1.4 million. The SDTC includes a 1-mile swim, 44-mile bike, and 10-mile run. Team Coastline and its 30 affiliated members raised more than $150,000 through independent fundraising efforts, and $92,000 was raised by participants of the 24 Hour Fitness Tour de Cove cycling marathon. The SDTC kid’s run provided an opportunity for the youngest participants to join in the activities. Sunday also included two grant presentations made in honor of long-time CAF supporter Kate Steinle who passed away this year. Best friends Mayli and Brooklyn, who were born with spina bifida, received surprise grants for a WCMX chair and handcycle, respectively.
The kid’s run is a perennial favorite among participants and bystanders. Photograph by GoShiggyGo Photography, courtesy of CAF.
“Coupled with important fundraising, the weekend is about bringing our Challenged Athletes Foundation family together-our dedicated supporters, inspirational athletes, and generous partners-to celebrate our collective athletic accomplishments,” said CAF CEO Bill Geppert.
Funds raised over the course of the weekend will allow CAF to provide adaptive sports equipment, travel and training, and competition expenses to athletes around the world with physical challenges, and to support the organization’s mentoring programs and schedule of annual, free mobility clinics.
