report
It was held on Halloween eve but the 12th Annual Sempra Energy San Diego Triathlon Challenge was no trick and all treat. Held beneath blue skies and warmed by gentle breezes, the annual celebration of abilities once again illuminated the many faces of courage . helped make heroes whole again through sports . and provided hope and inspiration to all in attendance.
More than 100 physically challenged athletes swam, cycled and ran alongside able-bodied and pro-triathletes and celebrities. In the process, the half-Ironman distance triathlon event and the Tour de Cove raised more than $1 million for CAF.
Saluting Our Athletes
The day began with the introduction of the 104 physically challenged athletes competing in the event. Then Operation Rebound, CAF's newest program, took center stage. CAF brought 11 wounded soldiers to La Jolla Cove to participate in the San Diego Triathlon Challenge.
All 11 soldiers went on to participate in at least one leg of the triathlon, with Minneapolis' Melissa Stockwell (1st Lt., ret.) doing the entire event. It was the first ever triathlon for Melissa who lost her leg above the knee in 2004 to a roadside bomb.
Melissa came through with flying colors, as did all the participating members of CAF's Operation Rebound. Well done, Melissa, and to all the soldiers at this year's SDTC we thank you for you service and for your commitment to our freedom.
Making Dreams Come True
Magic struck again at the 100-bike spinathon, Tour de Cove. The 175 riders raised an amazing $159,000! The event kicked off with an unforgettable moment for seven-year old bilateral above-knee amputee, Jonah Vandever.
Jonah dreamed of the freedom that would come with a new pair of running legs - legs that were well beyond his family's means to purchase. With the help of key partner Ossur, CAF was able to make Jonah's dream come true. Jonah was surprised with a brand-new pair of camouflage decorated running legs on the Tour de Cove stage. A delighted Jonah spent the rest of the day happily "test driving" his new prosthetics.
The next generation of challenged athletes was well-represented at this year's SDTC, with "old-timers" like Rudy Garcia-Tolson, Cameron Clapp, Johnny O'Neill, Roderick Sewell, and Roy Perkins, Jr. showing the way for a fresh crop of bi-lateral leg amputees - including one, Tomas Klein, all the way from Belgium. Each was eager to learn and to experience the SDTC for themselves and they announced their presence with a bang. One of the highlights of the day occurred when Rudy led the bilateral "posse" on a short jaunt around the Cove area, culminating in a wild sprint across the finish line to the resounding cheers of hundreds of enthusiastic spectators.
Record Fundraising
Top fundraising honors went to Dan Powell who raised an unbelievable $122,601 - adding to a lifetime total of $309,205. Bobby Bostic raised a stellar $82,455 for a lifetime total of $349,093. Scott Stackman, a first-time CAF fundraiser, rounded out the top three for 2005 with close to $50,000 raised. Having just returned from Ironman Hawaii, Bobby chose to pass down the Kona slot. Next October we'll be cheering Dan Powell and Scott Stackman- the 2006 Ironman Hawaii slot winners!
A Year to Remember
The 12th Annual SDTC was a remarkable day . a life-changing day . a day to remember. It's been an incredible year for CAF, too. All told, the 12th Annual San Diego Triathlon Challenge and Tour de Cove raised in excess of $1 million dollars - bringing CAF's total fundraising for the year to $1,642,319. This figure is a more than 50% increase over last year at this time, and CAF still has many months to go until the end of its Fiscal year.
Thanks to all our 2005 San Diego Triathlon Challenge and Tour de Cove participants, sponsors and donors for your support and for your belief in the incredible athletes that CAF is privileged to support through your contributions. Because of you, challenged athletes have hope for the future, and their courage and heroism will continue to be exhibited at the SDTC - and many other venues around the world -- for years to come.
Your contributions give ever-growing numbers of disabled athletes a fair chance to realize their dreams, and breathe life into the thousands of stories of hearts and heroes . of inspiration and perspiration . of raw courage and "never-quit" attitudes that flow from CAF's charitable efforts.
Thank you for all you do. See you next year at the 13th Annual San Diego Triathlon Challenge!
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