If you haven’t heard about the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) you are missing out. The mission of this amazing non-profit organization is to provide opportunities and support to people with physical disabilities so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics.

During the past 14 years, CAF has raised more than $16 million and has provided direct financial assistance to more than 3,300 people with physical disabilities around the world through their Access to Athletes Grant Program.

Financial Grants to People with Disabilities
This unique program provides financial assistance grants to people with physical disabilities in order to enable them to participate in physical activity and sports. Applicants can apply for a grant in one of three categories: adaptive equipment, training and coaching, or competition expenses.

Just last year, CAF distributed more than $1 million through their Access to Athletes program to more than 625 athletes with disabilities in 49 U.S. states and 20 countries. But Access to Athletes is just one of several amazing programs that this non-profit organization offers.

CAF Disability Sports Programs
Their other programs include: Catch a Rising Star, a mentoring and fitness program for people with disabilities that takes place in various cities; Operation Rebound, a program working to help troops permanently injured in Iraq and Afghanistan “get back in the game;” and Reach High, an outreach program designed to educate communities about what is possible for people with disabilities.

All of CAF’s programs together combine to touch the lives of more than 65,000 people per year.

Challenged Athletes Foundation Beginnings
CAF began as a group of friends trying to assist and help their friend and fellow triathlete, below-the-knee amputee Jim MacLaren, after a second devastating accident (he was hit by a car during the bike leg of a triathlon) left him paralyzed. These friends came together and organized the first annual San Diego Triathlon Challenge to raise funds to assist Jim in his rehabilitation and recovery.

What they accomplished that year has grown into what is now the Challenged Athletes Foundation. They changed the lives of not just one physically disabled athlete, but literally thousands. CAF fundraises for their programs through several avenues. While the annual triathlon in San Diego brings in tremendous funding and awareness of their programs, the program seeks donors and sponsors at various other fundraising events throughout the country.

To learn more about this amazing organization and the programs it provides, to apply for an Access for Athletes grant, or to donate and assist CAF in its mission to enable more people with physical disabilities access to physical activity and recreation, log onto: http://www.challengedathletes.org/.

Photos courtesy of Tim Mantoani Photography

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See Joel Berman and Adaptive Adventures Bring Accessible Sports to Disability Community to learn more about a program that provide progressive sports and recreation opportunities for children and adults with physical disabilities of all ages and skill levels.

Unfortunately not all sports venues for children are created equal. See Wheelchair Accessible Sports Venues for Children with Disabilities to learn more about adaptive sports for children and where they can be part of the action.