Join us for a LIVE Q&A session on Facebook and Twitter to answer your questions about CAF’s Access for Athletes Grant Application process. 

The 2015 Access for Athletes Grant Application is only open for ONE MORE MONTH, and it is imperative that all applicants complete and submit their applications before 12/5 at 5 p.m. PST.

If you have a physical disability that is recognized within the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) classifications, you are eligible to apply. CAF does not discriminate based on age, gender, level of ability or sport, but does require applicants to demonstrate a clear financial need for their grant request.

Access for Athletes is CAF’s flagship program — and steps in where rehabilitation and health insurance end by providing funding grants for equipment such as sports wheelchairs, handcycles, mono skis and sports prosthetics, and resources for training and competition expenses. Access for Athletes surmounts financial impediments to participation in sports, ensuring that challenged athletes are not left on the sidelines because they can’t afford expensive equipment or training costs. CAF believes participation in sports not only increases physical fitness and activity levels, but also enhances confidence and self-esteem.

In an effort to help answer some of your questions about how to apply for a grant, CAF will be hosting a LIVE social media Q&A session on Wednesday, November 5th. 
From 4 to 5 p.m. PST on 11/5, CAF staff members will be on hand to answer grantee questions on CAF’s Facebook and Twitter pages. 

HOW TO JOIN: 
RSVP to the Facebook event here
Any time before or during the event, submit your questions any of the following ways:
FACEBOOK:
– Post on the Facebook event page
– Comment on CAF’s announcement post on our Facebook timeline

TWITTER: Tweet @CAFoundation and include the hashtag #CAFGrantQA

You will receive “real time” responses from CAF between 4PM and 5PM on November 5.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE THE Q&A:
Please read the Frequently Asked Questions on our website at www.challengedathletes.org/GrantFAQ before the Q&A to see if your question has already been answered and to get an idea of what type of questions you would like to ask. Here are some suggested questions:

1. Who can write my medical reference letter, and what should it say?
2. How long should my biography be?
3. What if I want to go to multiple competitions throughout the year?
4. What is the equipment item I want is not in the dropdown list?
5. What is included in a coaching/training grant?

Remember, you can start submitting your questions NOW!

The post CAF 2015 Grant Application Live Q&A Event appeared first on Challenged Athletes Foundation.

I’ve been thinking about the great ones lately, the leaders in their respective fields whose brilliance was impossible to compare. They were the first and perhaps only. They thrilled us like no other. And like many of Robin Williams’ fans, we’ve been watching his old films, reveling in his performances, laughing, looking for clues to his pain.  In Good Will Hunting, Robin Williams tells Matt Damon’s character that, “you’re a genius, Will. No one denies that. No one could possibly understand the depths of you.” But it was Robin who we could not understand the depths of.

CAF was blessed with the depths of Robin Williams. And every one of the thousands he touched with his wit and humor and unbridled kindness took a piece of him away, their lives now better, lighter, more livable. He particularly loved the kids at the San Diego Triathlon Challenge (SDTC) and though I never saw him angry, when he was hanging with the kids, you dare not interrupt. In Mrs. Doubtfire, Robin loses his patience only once when his wife, in divorcing him tries to keep him from seeing his kids. Perhaps what Robin saw in the physically challenged youth of the world were pure souls wondering why they had been dealt a tough blow, wondering why they couldn’t be free and happy like the other kids. Perhaps he saw himself.

And the kids loved him back.

Robin’s passing brought people together like the formation of some impromptu peleton.  It was that tragic catalyst that reminded us of our human frailties and the need to hold out a hand to the imperfect and the ill and anxious. It reminded us that he was a friend of CAF not because he had the chance to ride his bike with some of his pals or spend a few days in La Jolla. No, I think Robin Williams was a friend to CAF because he felt they are that big hand offering to make things a little better for the imperfect.

In the 1998 film, Patch Adams, Williams plays a med student who suggests that “our job is improving the quality of life, not just delaying death.” He did that job well.

The SDTC Crew: Robin with Jim Ochowicz, Wendy Ingraham, Gerry Margolis and Scott Tinley

SDTC Team Braveheart: Rudy Garcia-Tolson, Robin Williams and Scott Tinley

The post CAF Memories of Robin Williams – Scott Tinley appeared first on Challenged Athletes Foundation.

At CAF, I think we have a unique view of the person Robin Williams was and will always continue to be in our hearts and minds. For me, it was a personally unique experience because I was the person who would oversee his event day activities and navigate him from location to location. Sounds easy, but I can tell you I was whoa-fully unprepared.

You see, prior to the 1998 that brought Robin to our San Diego Triathlon Challenge (SDTC), we were a small event at the La Jolla Cove… we attracted about 250 athletes… we would introduce our 20 or so challenges athletes and off everyone went… and we would wait until the end of the day for them to come back to have our awards barbecue. Back in the day, we were all volunteers. This was an easy job. But that year… 1998… That year changed everything.

Virginia Tinley, CAF’s Executive Director, had informed me Robin was coming to SDTC and asked me to be his liaison for the day. Why would I reject that job! His “people” gave me very simple instructions. “You cannot promote his appearance, you will need to see if he is “in the mood” to talk to media before his ride, after his ride I’m sure he will talk to all.” Okay, sounds simple… event day came, the crowd saw Robin… the crowd went crazy… all of a sudden, this “A” list celebrity was taking the time from his life to come to this tiny event at the La Jolla Cove to see what was happening.

As I went in to “Over drive” to shield him from the crowds he did the opposite. He went to the crowds, jumped on laps, dove into Improv, learned athletes names, listened to their stories… over the years I learned the “Look”, that look that said “this is okay”. This is what I want to be doing right now. Eventually I learned when he needed a break and when he wanted more. Most often, he wanted more. He looked forward to these faces, to athletes he would see every year. He remembered them, and wanted to hear the updates. He always said, “This is like coming home to family. Like a reunion.”

He especially loved the energy he got from the athletes, their excitement of being there and the attention he bestowed on them. The thing that resonates the most is he never wanted anything in return. In fact he did not want us to actively promote his appearance. He had no agenda… I think for him it was the best of both worlds. He loved the fantasy camp idea of riding with his heroes’… Scott Tinley, Wendy Ingrahm and so many more. And then hanging with his other heroes, such as our athletes in Operation Rebound. Through Robin’s annual trek to the San Diego Triathlon other Celeb’s wanted to check it out.

The year was 2003… just Before Will Ferrell did Elf. Their trainer, Gary Kobat, brought Will, Jim Carrey and David James Elliot to the event. Now mind you, at this point Robin and I had a routine… but add three more “A listers” in that recipe and things became a bit chaotic! I will never forget Robin’s attorney, Jerry Margolis, look at me at the end of the day and say “Tabi, I think you’re one celebrity short of a nervous breakdown”. He was so right….

In the end, it was Robin’s genuine loyalty that put a stamp of credibility on CAF. Before he came, people really didn’t know what we were doing… he let others know that it was important. That riding a bike at any ability was important. Being able to get outside and be great was important. And every person regardless of their ability deserved that right. The word’s that will forever ring in my head are very simple… at the end of each day, each year, I always said the same thing… “Thank you Robin for being here, it means so much to our athletes,” his response, “No it is I who thank you. It means more to me than it does to them”.

Thank you Robin. You will always be our very dear friend. You will always be our greatest gift.

The post CAF Memories of Robin Williams – Tabi King appeared first on Challenged Athletes Foundation.

When I think of Robin Williams and his amazing support of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), there is no question in my mind that Robin had a huge impact on not only CAF, but on the sport of triathlon. When he participated in the Malibu Triathlon on a relay team back in 1997 or so, he was the first ‘A’ list celebrity to embrace our sport and to participate on a relay team.

When he came to San Diego to participate in the San Diego Triathlon Challenge, he was teamed up with double above knee amputee Rudy Garcia–Tolson, who did the 1.2 mile swim, and with two time Ironman World Champion Scott Tinley who ran the 13.1 mile half marathon. Robin, a very serious cyclist, did the 56 mile very hilly bike ride. They were Team Braveheart because Rudy had a business card that he created when he was seven years old that said on it ‘A Brave Heart is a powerful weapon.’

Rudy and Robin teamed up eleven times at the San Diego Triathlon Challenge with Scott Tinley on Team Braveheart;. Robin told me that Rudy could care less about his stature as a celebrity. “All Rudy cares about,” joked Williams, “is that I’m his video game pimp.”

One year Rudy was honored with the Casey Martin Award, which is presented each year to a person who is inspirational to the disabled. Casey Martin came on stage at the Nike headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon and told the audience, “I usually like to give out this award since it’s named after me,” he said, “but someone performed last night in New York and flew all night because he wanted to present this award to Rudy.”

At that point Robin Williams came bounding out from backstage and said, “they call Rudy a challenged athlete because he’s missing his legs. Not true. Rudy is an amazing athlete. To me a challenged athlete is a 300 pound person trying to squeeze into a pair of bike shorts!”

That was Robin. He embraced CAF and helped the world to understand that our athletes are unique and that they can accomplish anything.

One other fun Robin story that I will always cherish. When you are Robin Williams you understand that the media will come out to La Jolla Cove on the morning of the San Diego Triathlon Challenge to interview you. He also knew that when the media came to see him, they would then be exposed to our CAF athletes. But that didn’t mean the guy couldn’t have a little fun.

Putting a live microphone in front of Robin Williams is like putting a piece of raw meat in front of a lion. You sort of know what’s going to happen.

One year a reporter asked Robin what he was going to feel like at the end of the 56 mile bike ride. He asked the reporter if the segment would be live, which meant that his sound bite could not be edited, that the reporter was actually walking a tightrope without a net.

“Is this live?” Robin asked. When she nodded that it was, Robin lit up. “What will I feel like? I’ll feel like there is a river of sweat like Niagara Falls running down the crack of my ass. Oh…is this live?”

We talk about how CAF has changed the world for the better over the past 21 years. Well, with his humor and humanity, Robin changed our world for the better every single day.

– Bob Babbitt, CAF co-founder

The post CAF Memories of Robin Williams – Bob Babbitt appeared first on Challenged Athletes Foundation.

It’s known as “The Best Day in Triathlon” and the 20th Anniversary Aspen
Medical Products San Diego Triathlon Challenge did not disappoint.

This Aspen Medical Products San Diego Triathlon Challenge brought together our biggest crowd yet to participate, honor and celebrate the power of the human spirit over adversity. We welcomed our pioneering athletes, whom we’ve watched grow through the years. We honored top supporters who toed the very first SDTC start line. And we embraced new participants like survivors from the Boston Marathon bombings as they learned just what a ‘running leg’ can do or where a ‘handcycle’ can take you.

All told, the Aspen Medical Products San Diego Triathlon Challenge, 24 Hour Fitness Tour de Cove and Kaiser Permanente Thrive-5K Walk raised close to $1.26 million. In addition, this year’s Dodge Million Dollar Challenge once again exceeded its goal and raised $1.45 million to get challenged athletes back in the game of life. More importantly, through all CAF’s October events, friendships were made and renewed; barriers were broken; and, lives were changed — for both challenged and able-bodied athletes alike.

Since the first SDTC in 1994, we have borne witness to 20 Years That Changed the World. Just imagine what we’ll accomplish with your help in the next 20 years.

Thank you for making it possible.

You marveled at the SWIM. Watched the BIKE. And cheered for the RUN.

Now learn more about the HEART of SDTC.

You may have seen this cutie popping wheelies around La Jolla Cove. Abel Rose joined us at SDTC just after his second birthday and participated in his very first Kid’s Run, earning his first event medal – which he now will only take off to sleep.		Many inspirational athletes crossed the SDTC finish line on Sunday. Among those were Celeste, Heather and Roseann, three Boston Marathon survivors who have now become part of the CAF family and benefitted from your support.
Just two years ago, Moise, who lost three limbs in a motorcycle accident, thought his life was over. Now, sports have given him happiness and new confidence. And with a surprise grant for a membership from 24 Hour Fitness, he will be able to continue to train towards his goal – cycling in the 2016 Paralympic Games.		A motocross accident left Ricky James a paraplegic in his teens, but he never never lost the need for speed. So what else would he do after completing 3 full IRONMAN® and 3 IRONMAN® 70.3 events this year? Ride every mile of the 7-day, 620-mile Dodge Million Dollar Challenge of course!

The post The 20th SDTC Truly Changed Lives appeared first on Challenged Athletes Foundation.

By: Fabio Maia

It was 1998, I remember when Willie told me about this race in La Jolla and asked me if I would be interested in volunteering..

I can’t believe that has been 15 years already. I remember when I took Rudy to Brazil for the first time to do a triathlon, this lady came to us after the race in tears and asked me to translate to him.. She said Thank you so much for being here, you changed my life and my son’s life just by running in front of him.

I remember asking Emmanuel if he would like to stay in the hotel and he said he would like to stay in our house, asking Trina ( 8 months pregnant) if he could stay with us. Having him hold Benjamin for the first time and seeing him give his first step with his new prosthetic leg..

I remember sitting with Clayton and Bahar at the coffee shop in La Jolla on Friday and introducing them to Pirata, the one leg surfer from Brazil on Friday and seeing how depressed they were because they never thought that Ezra could surf with Dad.  On Sunday, after the race, I saw the smile on their faces and Hope coming out of them.

I remember Fernando Aranha the wheelchair athlete from Brazil, the first wheelchair athlete that will compete in the winter olympics representing my country, when he crossed the finish line at SDTC in tears and he told me that for the first time he felt that the race was made for him and he felt loved.

The One Arm guy that brought me to this amazing family, Thank You, and to all of you, Thank you for being part of my life for the past 15 years. Our family always looks forward to  the last weekend of October for the best day in triathlon.

A couple weeks ago, we started a new chapter in our lives.  Her name is Alex, she is 2 1/2 years old little girl with Spina Bifida, that will soon become part of our family.

I never thought that 15 years ago my life would be like this.. But I want to say Thank you for all you guys do and looking forward to seeing you guys in a couple weeks..

Con Amor

Mahalo

Fabio

The post A Look at 15 Years with CAF appeared first on Challenged Athletes Foundation.

Ryan Gambrell is a CAF athlete, San Diego native, national karate champion, surfer, writer, motivator and triathlete. Born with Dwarfism, doctors suggested as a child that he have surgery to weld his spine in place, which would prevent him from partaking in any kind of physical activity. 8-year-old Ryan opted not to have the surgery. To this day, he overcomes challenges through constant exercise and physical training, which has opened more doors than he ever thought possible. Ryan was inspired to sign up for his first triathlon one year ago after talking to several friends who were also CAF athletes. Now, through the encouragement and support of his friends, family and the Challenged Athletes Foundation, the San Diego Triathlon Challenge (SDTC) on October 20^th will be Ryan’s sixth triathlon, which includes last year’s SDTC and the Paratriathlon National Championships last May which he was able to attend through a grant from CAF. He is also an avid fundraiser for this year’s SDTC. To learn more about Ryan, visit his website at: www.ryangambrell.com. 

For me, the San Diego Triathlon Challenge (SDTC) was an introduction to a community and a way of life that has forever changed me. A few weeks before SDTC last year, I had just participated in my first sprint triathlon in Mission Bay, which needless to say had gotten me hooked on the sport. I was looking forward to the beautiful SDTC bike ride coming up, but there were a few hurdles in my way, and their names were La Jolla Shores Drive and Torrey Pines Grade!

I knew I had my work cut out for me because leading up to the ride, every person I told that I was doing the San Diego Triathlon Challenge said the same thing, “How are you at climbing hills!?!”

Until this point I had never ridden my bike this far, ever, and I had only practiced going up both hills once before, but of course I just puffed out my chest and said “Oh yeah, hills, no problem,” and then I would walk away and quickly question the decision I had made to enter this event – it was going to be a real uphill battle!

But what I’ve found to be true in the sport of triathlon and even more so with the Challenged Athletes Foundation is that everyone at the race is not only there to get themselves across the finish line, but they are going to make sure everyone else around them gets there as well. Any time I was getting fatigued there was a friendly cheer from a fellow cyclist congratulating me on how far I had come, or letting me know that the top of the hill or the finish line was just around the corner. And while they didn’t tell me that the corner they were referring to was still 20 miles away and had a large hill famous for its trees and golf course in front of it, I managed to find that finish line due to everyone’s support and encouragement.

It’s this uplifting mentality that I’ve found to be so addicting and it is what keeps me coming back for more. Being a grant recipient from the Challenged Athletes Foundation allowing me to compete in the Paratriathlon National Championships in Austin this year has shown me first hand what this organization is all about. And while the opportunities they’ve provided me could never be forgotten, it’s the friendships that I’ve made within this community with the staff and the other athletes that can never be replaced.

I’m looking forward to seeing everyone out there again this year as we once again conquer the hills.

The post An SDTC Experience – Conquering Torrey Pines! appeared first on Challenged Athletes Foundation.

If you are coming to the Challenged Athletes Foundation’s Aspen Medical Products San Diego Triathlon Challenge (SDTC) this fall… CONGRATULATIONS!!!  You are in for one AMAZING experience!!!  Take it from a mom who has “been there, done that,” you are going to make new friends, learn new things, and have lots and lots of fun, all set in the backdrop of one of the most perfect places on Earth, La Jolla/San Diego, CA!  The beach is beautiful, and the temperature is 65-75 degrees in October, and rain, if it rains, is disguised as mist!  In this blog, I’m going to answer a few FAQs and give you a few tips that hopefully will help you be prepared to make the most of your trip.  Let’s break it down by day:

Thursday:  Day of arrival:  On the first night, CAF hosts an invitation-only dinner and presentation for the kids and their families at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club.  This is a great time to say hello to all the friends you already know and make introductions to lots of people you don’t!   Dinner is buffet style and there is a bar for cocktails.  The environment is casual and friendly.  If you traveled all day and are running short on time, don’t skip out on the dinner because you didn’t have time to change clothes.  Just come on over anyways!  The kids really love getting to play, and it’s nice to meet some of the families you will see all weekend.  My tip: eat and keep moving.  The best way to make new friends is work the room (and we all will be wearing nametags of course), and you will even get to meet many of the star CAF athletes, including some Paralympians!  After dinner, there will be a presentation for the parents.  Typically this is forum style featuring a panel of athletes, prosthetists, and parents.  It is very informative and also gives you a chance to ask the panel and other parents in the room questions about almost anything!  In the past we’ve discussed choosing a sport, competing against “disabled” versus “well-body” pros and cons, challenges with socialization with a physical disability for kids, and adaptive equipment, grants, and more.  During the “sit-down” CAF volunteers (and usually Travis) get some fun time in with the kids with games and entertainment so that you can absorb everything distraction free, and the kids have a BLAST!  This event truly is so refreshing.  It allows you to start to form bonds, learn a lot, and it sets the stage for the weekend to come.  Also, I suggest you go right to bed afterwards because Friday is a big day!!

Friday:  This can be a very full day.  It is best if you can stay at the Shores, mainly because of Friday.  You will spend the entire day on the beach and in the park.  So if you have very small children or need to take a break, it will be convenient for you to do so as your hotel is within walking distance.  The day will start with a surf and/or open water swim clinic that starts at 9:00 am.  I suggest that you get up in time to do a little breakfast first because the kids will need fuel!!  Also, you will want to walk over about 15 minutes early or so.  You want to be in place to get wetsuits on, listen to the rules for safety, and get paired up with an instructor.  CAF kids will be able to participate free of charge, and siblings will get to join in the surf clinic for a fee (details on pricing to come so that you can plan on that expense).  The kids had an incredible time last year and you do not want to miss this experience!!  You will be so shocked how well your little beginners will do out there J. Be sure to bring your camera, sunscreen, a towel, a bottle of water or two, and flip-flops for the morning.  If you have kids that are very small, there is a playground that is close but you cannot see the action in the water from there.  If there are two parents present, this is an ideal option for some distraction for the little guys.

After the clinic, you have roughly an hour to go back to your room, get showered and change.  T-shirts and shorts are appropriate for the picnic, and even if it is an overcast day, do NOT skip the sunscreen.  SKLZ typically has some fun informal games and activities set up for the kids.  This is another great opportunity to “visit” with friends and chat.  Lunch is served, and we CHEER AND YELL to welcome in the Dodge Million Dollar Challenge riders after their super long 600+ mile haul along the coast to raise over $1 million for our favorite organization! In the past, this is also an opportunity for CAF to get in a few pics, so it’s a good time to wear your CAF shirt if you have one.  Also, this is probably the best opportunity to swap phone numbers and emails with your new friends!

Friday night:  Celebration of Abilities dinner.  This is an invite only for registered SDTC participants and the families brought out by CAF this year, however, if you don’t get an invite and are interested in going, tickets are typically about $40 each and you can contact Travis Ricks travis@challengedathletes.org for purchasing those.  This is an opportunity to get dolled up a little.  Dress is not “formal” but is dressy.  Button-ups or at least a polo for the guys and nice attire for the girls will do just fine.  Drinks and dinner are served buffet style.  Award ceremony is to follow.  This event is held about 15 min from the hotel, and you can drive or a shuttle service will be available.  This is also another opportunity for great pics, a rare glance at all our kids in one place in anything other than shorts and tennis shoes J

Saturday:  Whether you choose to participate in the running/mobility clinic, wheelchair triathlon clinic, or the swimming clinic, prepare to drive or shuttle over.  Give yourself 20 min to get there and 10 min to get signed up when you arrive.  Don’t forget to wear sunscreen (extra clothes and a towel if your swimming), a small towel for dabbing off those sweaty nubs during break, and of course your camera!  Moms and dads will want to wear shorts and t-shirts as it tends to get warm out there.  There is a playground beside the running/swimming clinic, but not so toddler-friendly.  You might want to bring a ball (or iPad) to distract little ones.  This event will last the full allotted time.  Last couple of years, pizza was served after, or you can grab a quick bite on the way to the next event if you didn’t ride the shuttle.  Because next you head over to the Deni and Jeff Jacobs Challenged Athletes Center (DJJCAC) for the triathlon registration, goodie bag pickup, tours of facility, and athlete interaction!  This is come and go between 12 and 3 pm with shuttle service provided.

Saturday night:  FREE TIME!  If you need some rest after all the festivities, this is it.  IF you want a little social time, I am working on putting together a night of “S’more fun,” pun intended.  I hope to get the families together for some night time hot dogs, s’mores, and time hanging out on the beach.  I am planning to rent a blow up screen for a kid friendly movie on the beach (working on getting the permit).  This event is on our own as CAF staff will be super busy prepping for Sunday.  Please email me ASAP if you are interested!

Sunday:  UP EARLY!  Shuttles start around 5:40 am. Continental breakfast served at the site of triathlon and registration continues at 6:00 am.  You have to be there at 7:00 am for the parade of athletes.  Typically kids meet by the big stage.  The swim starts at 8:00 am and you will want to watch them start and cheer them on, it’s truly a cool experience to see.  Then you have a little time to walk around the vendor booths or jump in the bounce houses, but kids report back at the stage for stretch and prep for the kids sprint and run at 9:45 am.  AGAIN do not leave the camera at home because this is one of the highlights of the day (don’t forget to sign your little challenged athletes up for this!).  There is a 5K fitness walk at 11:15 am that is family friendly and also a great part of the FUNdraising.  It’s called the Kaiser Permanente 5K, and sign up details should be on the CAF website.  Kids yoga will be at 12:15 am.  Then you are free!  Typically lunch is served about 1:45 (BBQ) and awards are given for top athletes and fundraisers.  Shuttles in the past run back and forth from hotel and La Jolla Cove starting at 1:00 pm.

Other FYI:  Great places to eat within walking distance include a great little Italian restaurant moderately priced and if you want take out, there is a great little pizza walk up on the corner behind the Shores.  The Shores restaurant is good too and has some fabulous desserts!!  There is no real convenient store walking distance.  Walmart and Target are about 15min away though.  If you are not renting a car, usually someone is driving, so making friends is great when you need a store run for canned drinks, snacks, or other necessities!  There is a mini mart on the strip behind the hotel, but they are a little more expensive.  For just sunscreen or a cold soda, they do just fine.  If you have any questions, or just want to say HI!, my name is April Jones and although I have 3 boys I will be chasing around, I’m typically known as “Tyler’s mom” lol.  Can’t wait to see you all!!  OH, and to RSVP for Sat night, my email is aprildjones48@gmail.com (also feel free to look me up on FB!).

The post First Time at SDTC? Here’s The 411 appeared first on Challenged Athletes Foundation.

The Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) is proud to have played a pivotal role in not only changing the lives of thousands of challenged athletes, but in changing the world and the way it perceives and accepts those with physical challenges.

Twenty years have passed, but we are just getting started. What may seem impossible today is just another challenge to be conquered by CAF athletes. And we will be there to support them, every step – or wheel revolution — of the way.

Join us in celebrating CAF’s 20th Anniversary by recognizing the way CAF has changed the world. Each week we will share how, with your support, CAF has changed lives, perceptions, attitudes, opportunities, outcomes and ultimately…the WORLD.

Follow our 20 YEARS OF CHANGE campaign:

	SPREAD THE WORD It’s CAF’s 20th Anniversary and to celebrate we’re showcasing some of our most inspiring pics to share how, with your support, we’ve helped CHANGE THE WORLD Each week we will share how, with your support, CAF changed the WORLD. Share ‘em. Tweet ‘em. Pin ‘em and post ‘em. Just don’t miss ‘em! Then join the conversation.
To share or download the photo of the week, view them all here!

Follow the campaign here on the blog, on our website, and on CAF’s social media!

#20YearsofChange

The post Celebrate 20 Years of Change appeared first on Challenged Athletes Foundation.

Accenture was the title sponsor of the IRONMAN® 70.3 California held on March 30, 2013. Members of the Accenture staff participated in the race alongside our clients to complete the 1.2-mile swim in Oceanside Harbor, 56-mile cycle through San Clemente State Park and Camp Pendleton, and 13.1-mile run through Oceanside.

The day before the race, Accenture co-hosted a lunch for distinguished guests with the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), a nonprofit that helps individuals with physical challenges get and stay involved in sports. The highlights of the day were talks by triathlete Jesse Thomas and Tom Pettit, senior managing director and lead BPO North America. Lars Tandrup, managing director in Financial Services, Northern California, said: “The lunch with CAF was so humbling and interesting. Meeting Jesse Thomas was fantastic—he’s a great guy and a great ambassador for the sport.”

Accenture also teamed up with CAF—the official event charity—through its Operation Rebound program, to support eight injured military service members and first responders to participate in the race. CAF’s Roy Perkins commented: “Thanks to Accenture’s collaboration with the Challenged Athletes Foundation, our athletes—particularly the injured troops who are part of CAF’s Operation Rebound program—get unique opportunities to showcase their ability and to perform at truly high levels. Accenture’s long-standing support of CAF and its athletes has been instrumental to their success in sports—and in life.”

The Accenture booth—which we shared with CAF—featured Careers@Accenture with a focus on military, and offered an autograph and Q&A session with Jesse Thomas. Jesse commented on the event in his blog: “It was a fantastic experience. I met some really inspiring and kind athletes. It’s just good people with positive energy. It was also great to chat biz and triathlon with the Accenture people and VIPs. The whole experience enhanced my weekend, and made me feel like I had another community at the race cheering me on. I appreciate the support and involvement guys, and congrats on a great event.”

Our clients, racers and their families relaxed and interacted in the Accenture tent after the race. A client commented: “It was a great event, and if you sponsor it again, I’d love to participate.”

Tom Pettit, the event’s executive sponsor, shared his impressions of the day: “Accenture’s sponsorship of IRONMAN®70.3 California was a true example of the perfect day. We not only supported an event in line with our client’s interests, but we also showcased our support for the physically challenged community, particularly wounded veterans.” Pettit, a former Marine Corps officer and endurance athlete, added: “Every client I spoke to at the race was very appreciative of Accenture’s hospitality and really moved by the challenged athletes they met that weekend. This sponsorship brought personal high performance to life.”

Congratulations to all who finished, in particular to CAF’s inspirational Operation Rebound athletes and pro Jesse Thomas who attained second place overall.

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