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Challenged athletes foundation introduces the caf-florida triple crown
Triathletes can pool their support three ways for CAF-Florida events in 2008
The Florida Chapter of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) has partnered with three marquee Florida sporting events to help physically challenged athletes of any age and ability, and injured military personnel afford adaptive sports equipment, training and competition expenses needed to get into the game. Those competitors who enter all three events and meet minimum fundraising requirements will complete the very first CAF-Florida Triple Crown, qualifying them for special recognition and a meaningful thank-you gift.
“We’ve had numerous people say they’d love to keep helping CAF throughout the year, so this Triple Crown idea for 2008 is really just another way for people to support what we’re trying to do, keep them involved and thank them for helping us,” said Lew Friedland, organizer of the new Florida Chapter.
CAF-Florida will be fielding teams at the Gasparilla Distance Classic in Tampa Feb. 9-10, the St. Anthony’s Triathlon in St. Petersburg April 27, and the Ford Ironman Florida 70.3 in Orlando May 18.
Each of the CAF-Florida Triple Crown events has its own unique appeal:
- At the Gasparilla Distance Classic, CAF is building a team from the more than 15,000 who will participate in the 5K, 15K, half-marathon and marathon events. CAF is also re-creating the long-popular wheelchair division in the 15K road race event, which will attract many world-class wheelchair racers. Team CAF Gasparilla 2008 members only need to raise a minimum of $100 for CAF to receive a team singlet and attend a special Friday night pre-race reception for the team and the wheelchair athletes.
- At the St. Anthony’s Triathlon, CAF will be part of the 25th Anniversary Celebration of one of the most popular Olympic-distance triathlons in the nation (over 4,000 professional and amateurs). Members of Team CAF St. Anthony’s 2008 only need to raise a minimum of $500 for CAF to receive a team tri-top and bike jersey, preferred registration and starting wave position (no waiting for your start!) and the use of a VIP area for team members and their families.
- At the Ford Ironman Florida 70.3 at Disney World, all proceeds benefit injured military personnel from Iraq and Afghanistan. CAF will be building an even bigger Team Operation Rebound Florida 2008, following on the heels of a hugely successful debut in 2007. Team members need to raise a minimum of $1,500, and will receive a team tri-top and bike jersey, preferred registration, bike-racking and starting wave, along with a special breakfast and other benefits. Last year, the effort raised more than $200,000, which CAF hopes to far surpass this year.
Experience heartwarming camaraderie (see comments below) as part of a CAF team at any of these three events, or stake your claim to the first-ever CAF-Florida Triple Crown.*
“We’re very excited about 2008, and think if we can get the message out, athletes will want to help,” adds Friedland. “The process is so easy – sign up for Race For A Reason and you get your own personalized web page, which includes all the tools needed to put together a quick and effective e-mail campaign to raise funds. Once you see how these funds are spent, and how grateful these individuals are for the support, you’re hooked. It’s a great way to help others while doing something you enjoy.”
Here are just a few comments from recent CAF Team Members –
“I just don’t know of any other experience where I was able to personally accomplish my own goals, race alongside others raising funds for our common cause and race with athletes who directly benefited from the funds we were able to raise. It enhanced the race day experience to have orders for a great day from Major Dave and cheers of encouragement from our team members and spectators in support of CAF.”
- Amber Williams, Clearwater, FL
"Being part of the Operation Rebound Team for the Florida Ironman 70.3 race was a fantastic experience for my whole family. Together we witnessed firsthand the courage and patriotism of Major David Rozelle and the other injured servicemen who participated in the race with us. Knowing we were raising funds to help our veterans was rewarding, but having the chance tomeet andparticipate withthem in theevent was inspiring. Without the funds raised from Operation Rebound, they would never have had the chance to swim, bike and run with us. We cannot wait for the next opportunity to help out once again.
- Geoff Cotter, Tarpon Springs, FL
Click on the links above to join the CAF-Florida Triple Crown team or any of the 2008 CAF-Florida events.
*To be eligible for the CAF-Florida Triple Crown team and gift, team members must raise at least $100 by Feb. 2, at least $600 total by April 20, and at least $2,100 by May 11.
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