Starting August 8, the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) will launch a ten-week virtual athletic and fundraising challenge to celebrate and support individuals with physical challenges. The challenge will also include fundraising and community-building events featuring virtual mileage tracking, community training runs and workouts, the Celebration of Abilities Award Program, and a final community day to virtually celebrate the strength and resilience of the CAF community.
The 2020 CAF Community Challenge presented by Vega will unite the global CAF community of supporters, corporate partners, volunteers, and challenged athletes to collectively run, cycle, swim, walk, and move one million miles with a fundraising goal  of over one million dollars. Miles logged on Strava (or other fitness platforms) August 8 through October 18 can be completed anytime and anywhere by running, walking, rolling, swimming, cycling, fitness classes, and more. Additionally, athletes can join CAF-sponsored activities and are encouraged to share progress and photos with the community through #CAFCommunityChallenge. Leaderboards with real-time results will track team and individual results and share highlights of the global challenge.
On October 17, viewers can tune in to Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram for the premiere of the 2020 Celebration of Abilities Award Program presented by Aspen Medical Products, Irvine, California. Aspen has been involved with CAF for 20 years. CAF will recognize partners and challenged athletes for their trailblazing and inspirational achievements in the prior year. Hosted by CAF cofounder Bob Babbitt, Ironman Hall of Famer and USA Triathlon Hall of Famer, this program will honor athletes with physical challenges and supporters who have demonstrated extraordinary amounts of strength, resilience, and commitment.
During The CAF Community Challenge Day on Sunday, October 18, participants can get out to finish off the mileage and fundraising challenge from wherever they are to run, cycle, swim, roll, and walk, and share on social media how they are showing up for challenged athletes and driving the mission forward.
“While it’s not possible to stage our flagship community fundraising weekend in San Diego as we have done the past 26 years, it remains crucial for us to bring our community together with an athletic challenge to raise critical funds to help individuals with physical challenges get access to sports,” said Virginia Tinley, CAF chief executive director. “We are committed to making this virtual experience special for the unprecedented times we’re all experiencing.”
To register, visit www.challengedathletes.org/communitychallenge.
