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February 15, 2008: Rebirth of Wheelchair Division Highlights Gasparilla Weekend in Tampa
January 31, 2008: 15K Elite Wheelchair Division Make a Comeback at Gasparilla Distance Classic
November 5, 2007: First year fund-raising totals in for Florida CAF Chapter
September 17, 2007: St. Anthony’s Triathlon Welcomes CAF as Charity Partner
August 21, 2007: Plans formalized For Team CAF Operation Rebound Florida 2008
July 16, 2007: Florida Chapter announces first CAF event for 2008
June 1, 2007: CAF-Florida Chapter Raises $160,000 for Operation Rebound
March 27, 2007: Join the Operation Rebound: Florida 70.3 Team — Funds Raised to Help American Heroes “Get Back into the Game”
March 26, 2007: New Chapter helps support 53 athlete grants for 2007
March 7, 2007: Challenged Athletes Foundation Announces Formation of Florida Chapter: Move Bolsters Disabled Sports Organization’s National Presence
February 15, 2008
Rebirth of 15K Wheelchair Division A Highlight of the
Gasparilla Distance Classic weekend in Tampa
Florida Chapter provides a glimpse of the future of CAF in Tampa Bay and Florida
Tampa, Fla – The 32 world-class athletes who competed in the Elite 15k Wheelchair Division at the Publix Super Markets Gasparilla Distance Classic on Saturday were lined up early. They were provided a 5-minute head start on the other 3,900 15K runners lined up as far as the eye could see.
But this head start wasn’t to give them a helping hand, it was to keep them from mowing down even the fastest competitors as they fly past in racing wheelchairs that are sleek, colorful, aerodynamic and just plain fast.
For some, the moment will be remembered as an exciting first-time experience. For the rest, it was a delightful déjà vu, a dusting off of decade-old memories and a stirring first step in the rebirth of one of the greatest wheelchair races in the country.
Thanks to a partnership between the race organizers and the Florida Chapter of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), wheelchair racing at Gasparilla is back. CAF put up more than $10,000 in prize purse money to attract many of the best in the world, and they certainly gave everyone watching their money’s worth
More than 15,000 participants competed in the four Gasparilla weekend events – a 5K, 15K, half-marathon and marathon. The first 32 off the line flew through the scenic 15K course along Tampa’s Bayshore Boulevard, heads down, powerful arms churning. Some 33 minutes later, the leaders were spotted rounding last curve, three of them side by side, now in a full sprint for that first-prize money.
The crowd excitement grew as it became obvious it would be an extremely close finish. Race organizers and fans alike jostled for a clear view of the racers as they came to the finish line, with less than a second dividing first and third place. It was the closest and most exciting finish of the day, and an appreciative and growing crowd applauded their efforts.
Officially, Canadian Mark Ledo edged out countryman Michel Filteau and American Tyler Byers by less than a second, recording a time of 32.55 to their 32.56. Not 18 inches separated the three at the line. For the women, the top three were Diane Roy of Canada (0:39:02), who beat out Americans Shirley Reilly (42:31) and Jessica Galli (
“For our first time, it went really well,” said Lew Friedland with the Florida CAF Board. “We learned a lot about how to do this kind of event, but even with our small crew, I think the athletes had a great time. They’ve told us they want to come back next year, so that’s the best test of all.”
In addition to the Saturday morning race, CAF also hosted both a Thursday night Life Skills seminar for members of Tampa’s disabled community, and a special reception on Friday night for the wheelchair racers, members of the CAF team, and special guests Dick and Rick Hoyt. Held on the Riverwalk Promenade at the Tampa Convention Center.
“We made contact with a lot of new people over Gasparilla weekend, and that’s exactly what we needed to accomplish,” Friedland added. “We’ve started something here that we feel we can build on, and give CAF some great exposure throughout one of Florida largest markets. We just can’t ask for much more. Plus we gave them a great photo finish!”
January 31, 2008
CAF-Florida helps 15K Elite Wheelchair Division Make a Comeback at Gasparilla Distance Classic
Tampa, Fl - Thanks to a new partnership between the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association and the Florida Chapter of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), the once hugely popular 15K Elite Wheelchair Division is back!
On Saturday, February 9, at 7:25 a.m., two dozen of the best wheelchair racers in the country will line up wheel-to-wheel for an epic battle worthy of the Gasparilla tradition. These world-class “wheelers” will streak along Tampa’s beautiful Bayshore Boulevard ahead of thousands of 15K runners. At stake? More than $10,000 in prize money.
Through CAF’s Race for a Reason program, able-bodied runners who register to race in any of the four Publix Super Markets Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend events are also able to join Team CAF Gasparilla 2008. Their pledges to raise a minimum of $100 each for CAF will allow the Wheelchair Division to be part of every future Gasparilla event. Anyone interested in joining the CAF team can go to www.raceforareason08.kintera.org/gasparilla08.
For more than a decade, the 15K elite wheelchair race was one of the biggest attractions during the February Race Weekend. In 1997, more than 75 of the top racers in the world wrapped up a week of warm-weather training for the Boston Marathon with a no-holds-barred assault on the wide, level and near-perfect 15K wheelchair course.
However race organizers lost those competitors when they discontinued the prize purse, hoping instead to redirect more money to local charities. Despite their good intentions, the move put an unexpected end to the wheelchair event, which has been missing from Gasparilla race weekend ever since – at least until now.
“We’re so excited to have CAF working with us to make this happen,” says Susan Harmeling, the Executive Director of the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association that puts on the event. “With the return of competitive wheelchair racing on the streets of Tampa, the community will be made more aware of how participating in events like Gasparilla’s 15K or 5K can provide those with physical challenges a tremendous boost in self-confidence and purpose in their lives.”
Lew Friedland, founder of CAF’s new Florida Chapter, said his group has been successful raising funds at some of the big events in the state, but was looking for a good way to spend some of what they have raised since their startup in late 2006.
“When we approached Susan, we came not to ask for money, but to ask what we could do to help out the race,” says Lew Friedland, founder of CAF’s newborn Florida Chapter. “When she told us what happened after the 1997 race, trying to re-create a competitive wheelchair division was a perfect fit for us.”
November 5, 2007
First year fund-raising totals in for Florida CAF Chapter
After a very fast-paced first year in existence, the Florida Chapter has reported fundraising totals of approximately $425,000 to the CAF headquarters. Although some of those funds were already utilized to fulfill 53 grant requests throughout the southeast last April, the total represents a successful first 12 months for the group.
“I’d have to say we are delighted with the results we had, and want to say thank you to everyone who helped us get there,” said Lew Friedland, founding board member of the new chapter. “We tried some things, got a little lucky, and had some tremendous support from our friends in the business world here. They deserve all our thanks.”
The Chapter kicked off its efforts with a Bar-be-que fundraiser at Friedland’s house in Palm Harbor, near the chapter’s unofficial office in Tarpon Springs. CAF founder Bob Babbitt and Rudy Garcia-Tolson were on hand for the affair and spoke to the group, dubbed the Founder’s Club. A ticket to attend was $1,000, and a total of $165,000 was raised that weekend.
The next major effort was at the Florida 70.3 in Orlando in May, and a total of approximately $200,000 was raised there by members of Team Operation Rebound 2007. A number of fundraisers, including a major donation from Dr. Brad Henderson, along with sales of CAF gear, etc. and the total just tops $425,000.
“Although we’re pleased, we know we’ve just scratched the surface in Florida,” says Friedland. “The CAF story is such a great one to tell, and once you spend a few minutes with people and share what CAF is doing, they just want to help. Our hats are off to those who created such a wonderful CAF legacy out of California for us to share with others. They have made our lives easy.”
September 17, 2007
St. Anthony’s Triathlon Welcomes CAF as Charity Partner
St. Petersburg, Fla. – Few triathletes don’t know the name St. Anthony’s Triathlon, one of the sport’s most popular Olympic-distance events in the country. More than 4,000 professionals and amateurs will compete in St. Petersburg on April 27 at this great event, with hopefully close to 200 also raising funds for the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF).
Event Director Philip LaHaye opened his arms to CAF at their September Board meeting, and the Florida Chapter Board officially adopted St. Anthony’s as their third official CAF affiliated event for 2008.
“We love this race,” said Pete Adams, a member of the St. Pete Mad Dogs triathlon group and a multiple-time finisher at St. Anthony’s. Adams will be spearheading the effort to sign competitors up for Team CAF St. Anthony’s 2008. “We know Philip supports everything we’re doing at CAF, so it should be a great weekend.”
Team members will receive a specially designed CAF Tri-top and bike jersey, customized race bibs, and most important, have an opportunity to start in an early “Charity Wave” just behind the pro and elite athletes. At St. Anthony’s, with a limited number of starters in each wave, team members could get underway as much as an hour or more ahead of their age group.
In addition, a preferred location for racking their bikes will be provided, plus a special VIP tent near the finish line on race day for team members and their families to use before, during and after the race. Customized race bibs will help identify team members throughout the day.
One of more CAF athletes will be in St. Petersburg and compete in the event as team co-captains.
Anyone already registered for St. Anthonys and interested in joining Team CAF St. Anthony’s 2008 please click here (race registration closed almost immediately).
August 21, 2007
Plans formalized For Team CAF Operation Rebound Florida 2008
Orlando, Fla. - Still basking in the success of their first major Race For A Reason event in May, the Florida Chapter of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) has nailed down its plan to return in even greater numbers to the 2008 Ford Ironman 70.3 Florida. The event is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, at Ft. Wilderness Campground at Disney World in Orlando.
Nearly $200,000 was raised at the 2007 race, surprising even the most optimistic members of the Florida group and setting the stage for the formation of Team Operation Rebound Florida 2008.
“People simply wanted to help out the troops any way they could, and we gave them a special, easy way to pitch in,” says Lew Friedland, Florida Chapter board member. “The athletes had an unforgettable weekend, and they want to come back and do it again.”
Military amputee Major David Rozelle helped create CAF’s Operation Rebound program, and was captain of the team of 55 Ironman racers who signed up to be members of Team CAF Operation Rebound 2007. An emotional presentation at a team breakfast the day before the race gave team members and first-hand look at why they were supporting CAF.
Rozelle brought up on the stage Elmer Dinglasan, a Tampa-area resident who, at age 33, volunteered for Navy service as a medic to help any way he could in Iraq following the events of 9/11. Despite traveling in the “safer” middle vehicles of a convoy, his vehicle was hit by a land mine and he lost both legs last year.
Still struggling with his new walking prosthetics in May, Dinglasan was presented with a new tennis wheelchair, so he and his wife could once again get out on the court and play tennis together. The next morning Elmer donned one of the distinctive team bike jerseys, and greeted Rozelle and every member of the team with a race medal at the finish line arch.
An oversized check for nearly $170,000 was presented to Rozelle at the breakfast, but the total almost reached $200,000 after all funds were collected. Before the event was even complete on that Sunday, race director Tom Ziebart rode up to Friedland on his bicycle and said, “We’re doing this again next year, right?!”
Rozelle will lead the charge again in 2008, and may be joined by other celebrity athletes to form competitive fundraising teams to make this year’s event even more successful.
Anyone interested in joining Team CAF Operation Rebound 2008 may click here.
July 16, 2007
Florida Chapter announces first CAF event for 2008
Tampa, Fla. –The CAF-Florida Chapter has announced their first fundraising effort for 2008 working with one of the largest events in the southeast United States, the Gasparilla Distance Classic.
The Classic, to be held Saturday, February 9-10 in Tampa, has been a local tradition since 1978, and a popular destination for people all over the eastern United States looking for a sunny place to race. The event raises funds for local youth charitable organizations and has generated well over $2 million since its inception. More than 15,000 people participate in four weekend races (5K, 15K, half-marathon and full marathon).
Gasparilla’s 15K was also once among the world’s premier wheelchair races, attracting as many as 120 competitors from many different countries at its peak. However, since so many racers were professionals who traveled long distances to compete, when the Gasparilla organizers elected to redirect race proceeds to more local charities and eliminate prize money after the 1997 race, the wheelchair division disappeared.
For the 2008 event, CAF-Florida has team up with race organizers to bring back the 15K Wheelchair Division, guaranteeing a prize purse supported by able-bodied competitors who join Team CAF Gasparilla 2008. Through CAF’s Race For A Reason program, funds raised will provide the motivation and opportunity for local challenged athletes to get out and race.
“The money raised will not only support the CAF's sponsorship of the wheelchair division at Gasparilla,” said CAF-Florida board member Bob Hearn, who is spearheading the Gasparilla program, “but it will also fund CAF's core mission, which is to provide monetary grants to challenged athletes for specialized racing and athletic equipment, training and travel that they could not otherwise afford."
Anyone interested in joining Team CAF Gasparilla 2008 can click here to sign up.
June 1, 2007
CAF-Florida Chapter Raises $160,000 for Operation Rebound
Orlando, Fla. - In their first official event since becoming the Challenged Athletes Foundation’s first chapter, CAF-Florida raised over $160,000 for wounded veterans through their Operation Rebound fundraiser.
More than 60 triathletes who competed in the 2007 Ford Ironman Florida 70.3 event at Disney World generated funds for Operation Rebound as they raced. Each had to raise at least $1,000 through CAF’s Race for a Reason program to join Team Operation Rebound. The morning before the race, the group presented a check to team captain Major David Rozelle for $157,648. Several thousand additional dollars were received after the breakfast to bring the total to more than $166,000.
“This is just unbelievable, what they’ve done,” said Rozelle while enjoying a cold beer and resting his sore right leg after he finished the half-Ironman event, held at Fort Wilderness Campground in Orlando. “This is going to help a lot of our guys.”
Event highlights included the presentation of a tennis chair to Elmer Dinglasan, a bilateral leg amputee (one AK, one BK) and his wife Margarita, by Rozelle (photo courtesy ASIphoto.com). The chair will help Elmer continue to compete at a high level. Another feel-good moment came when Rozelle walked with Jordan Gollnick, a young girl with cerebral palsy and daughter of pro-triathlete Heather Gollnick, in the Kid's Run. Jordan said, “"I had a great time when I did the run in Disney World with David Rozelle."
March 27, 2007
Join the Operation Rebound: Florida 70.3 Team — Funds Raised to Help American Heroes “Get Back into the Game”
Tarpon Springs, Fla. – Led by U.S. Army Major David M. Rozelle, the new Florida chapter of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) is recruiting athletes for Operation Rebound: Florida 70.3, a special fund-raising event to be held in conjunction with the Ford Ironman 70.3 Florida at Disney World on May 20, 2007.
Maj. Rozelle was featured during the recent NBC coverage of the 2006 Ford Ironman World Championship. He is a below-knee amputee and an inspirational icon for injured American military personnel in the Middle East conflicts. While commanding 140 troops in Iraq, he lost part of his right leg when a land mine exploded under his Humvee. After completing his rehabilitation, he made the decision to return to active duty on a prosthetic leg – the first American soldier to do so in modern times.
Now, Maj. Rozelle is a spokesman for Operation Rebound, a CAF program that provides post-rehabilitation support and mentoring to American military personnel whose service to their country in Iraq and Afghanistan resulted in permanent physical disabilities. Operation Rebound provides the next step in the soldiers’ recovery once they master “the basics” needed to return to an active lifestyle. Maj. Rozelle strongly believes in the healing power of sports to accomplish this mission.
Maj. Rozelle will be competing at the Ford Ironman 70.3 Florida race and wants to help raise additional funds for Operation Rebound. Through CAF's Race for a Reason program, a limited number of Ford Ironman 70.3 triathletes will be able to join Rozelle's Operation Rebound: Florida 70.3 team for this race. The requirement? Athletes must raise at least $1,000 in support for CAF in conjunction with the race. The payoff? Benefits include:
- Private race registration times – no standing in line.
- A special bike area designated for the first 50 to join the Operation Rebound team.
- A luncheon and photo opportunity on Saturday with Maj. Rozelle as special guest speaker.
- An autographed copy, personalized for you, of Maj. Rozelle's book: Back in Action: An American Soldier's Story of Courage, Faith and Fortitude.
- A specially designed jersey for Operation Rebound team members to wear on race day so everyone knows you are racing for the troops!
- An opportunity to meet other American heroes injured protecting our freedom, who may greet you at the finish line.
- BEST OF ALL – the top three fund raisers will receive not only an Ironman gift package with a $500 retail value, but also one slot to a North America Sports event of their choice in the 12 months following Ford Ironman Florida 70.3
All fundraising will be organized and tracked through CAF's Race for a Reason program, which makes the process easy and fun. Click here to sign up for Operation Rebound: Florida 70.3. Simply select “join a team” and choose “Operation Rebound: 70.3” in the Race for a Reason drop-down box. Additional incentive prizes are offered by CAF, depending upon the amount raised beyond the $1,000 required to join the Operation Rebound team.
To view a short video about Operation Rebound, click here.
March 26, 2007
New Chapter helps support 53 athlete grants for 2007
Tarpon Springs, Fla. - The new Florida Chapter of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) was notified by the home office last week that the more than $100,000 in charitable donations collected since their kickoff event in November has been utilized to fulfill grant requests from 53 challenged athletes throughout the southeast.
“Wow, what a thrill!” said Lew Friedland, former president of the World Triathlon Corporation (Ironman) who is spearheading this new chapter. “To actually see the CAF board put what we’ve collected to such good use in such a short period of time makes this very real and meaningful to everyone involved. I’m delighted to have had even a small part in getting this effort underway, and to help so many deserving people.”
All totaled, CAF approved 478 grant requests from around the United States and 14 countries - the most in their 14-year history. Hundreds of thousands of dollars will be distributed to athletes in need of equipment, training or competition expenses in the year ahead. A total of 20 grants were approved for prosthetics (artificial arms or legs), nearly 150 grants will purchase new competition chairs for basketball, racing, rugby or tennis. Well over 100 grants will help challenged athletes with training expenses or the cost of traveling and competing in events around the world.
Of that total, just over $104,000 collected by the new Florida chapter funded 53 requests from throughout the southeast.
“This really makes us feel a part of the CAF team,” said Friedland. “We’re very proud to be associated with a cause that makes such a difference in people’s lives.”
March 7, 2007
Challenged Athletes Foundation Announces Formation of Florida Chapter: Move Bolsters Disabled Sports Organization’s National Presence
San Diego, Calif. – The Challenged Athletes Foundation’s (CAF) continuing efforts to increase its national and international presence and to help ever-increasing numbers of challenged athletes "get into the game" have taken a big leap forward, as the organization's Board of Directors has approved the creation of CAF's first chapter: CAF-Florida. Spearheaded by former World Triathlon Corporation president Lew Friedland, the new chapter will serve to deliver CAF's message of heroes, heart and hope to new audiences in the Sunshine State – and across the Southeastern United States.
"We're very excited to take the next step in our growth as an organization," said Virginia Tinley, CAF's executive director. "Lew has been a huge CAF supporter for many years and his intimate familiarity with CAF, our mission and our athletes makes him the perfect person to lead this important effort."
"CAF is a wonderful organization, and they do wonderful things for so many deserving people,” said Friedland. “We know we can do a lot of good in Florida, and felt it was time to get started so we can support everything CAF is doing to help physically challenged athletes.”
Joining Friedland in forming the new Florida chapter is a group of individuals from Jacksonville to Sarasota with wide-ranging professional and athletic experience. They soon hope to involve people from every corner of Florida and spread the word about how CAF is helping physically challenged individuals. Other key members of the effort are:
- Bob Hearn, attorney/triathlete, Zuckerman-Spaeder, Tampa;
- Tim Hudson, CPA/triathlete/president - St. Pete Mad Dogs Triathlon Club, St. Petersburg;
- Pete and Robin Adams, owners - Benefactor Realty/Mad Dogs members, St. Petersburg;
- Robert Williams, attorney/triathlete, Fowler-White, Tampa;
- Ed Levins, cycle shop entrepreneur/triathlete from Bradenton/Sarasota;
- Bill Gair, COO LifeSouth Community Blood Centers/triathlete, Gainesville;
- Linda Quirk, retired educator/triathlete, Jacksonville; and,
- Kelly Mione, Marketing VP/former editor of Ironman.com.
Among the new Chapter's first initiatives is Operation Rebound: Florida 70.3, which offers a select group of participants a chance to race with CAF spokesman Maj. David Rozelle at the Disney 70.3 triathlon, while raising money to help make American heroes suffering permanent injuries Iraq and Afghanistan whole again through sports. To learn more or to sign up, click here: http://raceforareason.kintera.org/orflorida
# # #
The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) is a special place where courage has many faces … where perseverance comes through the door with a first name … where dreams are nourished and heroes have a home. It is an organization unlike any other in the world.
CAF grew out of a desire to assist one athlete paralyzed in a triathlon. From this modest beginning arose a more important mission – to make sure people with physical challenges have the same freedom to enjoy sports that the able-bodied take for granted.
Since 1997, CAF has satisfied more than 2,500 funding requests from challenged athletes in all 50 states and dozens of countries. Additionally, CAF’s outreach efforts reach another 60,000 individuals each year. Whether it’s $2,000 for a handcycle, helping underwrite a $15,000 running prosthetic or arranging enthusiastic encouragement from a mentor who has triumphed over a similar challenge, CAF’s mission is clear: give those with the desire to live active, athletic lifestyles every opportunity to compete in the sports they love. To learn more, log on to www.challengedathletes.org or call 858/866-0959.
CAF Extends Its Reach to Florida
The CAF Board of Directors have continued their efforts to increase the organization’s national and international presence by chartering their first chapter organization, CAF-Florida. This new chapter is delivering CAF's message of heroes, heart and hope to new audiences in the Sunshine State and across the Southeastern United States.
A group of motivated business men and women from central Florida first approached the Board in the fall of 2006 with an interest in creating a stronger CAF presence on the east coast. After raising $165,000 in seed money at a November Founder’s Club event, it was obvious this group was serious about getting involved, and a formal chapter agreement was signed in March.
"CAF is a wonderful organization, and they do wonderful things for so many deserving people,” says Lew Friedland, one of the founders and now president of CAF-Florida. “We know we can do a lot of good in Florida, and felt it was time to get started so we can support everything CAF is doing to help physically challenged athletes.”
The new Florida chapter is comprised of individuals with a wide-range of professional and athletic experience, mostly from around the Tampa Bay area. They hope to grow slowly to involve people from every corner of Florida and spread the word about how CAF is helping physically challenged individuals.
To learn more about the CAF-Florida Chapter, check out any of our Section Highlight links.
Challenged Athletes Foundation – Florida
Email FloridaCAF@challengedathletes.org
Phone 1-727-942-2591 ext. 222
Fax 1-727-938-3328.
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