“Thank you for continuing to believe in him, and helping him to see that dreams are possible when people work together.” – Cathy Mayo 

There’s no greater joy for a parent than watching their child thrive—not just in sports, but in confidence, connection, and self-belief. For Cathy Mayo, that joy has unfolded in real-time as her son, Delmace, has grown into a fearless, multi-sport athlete with a community rallying behind him. 

Through a mix of speed, grit, and heart, Delmace is chasing big dreams—and the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) is proud to have been a part of his journey from the beginning. 

From Haiti to Hero: Delmace’s Early Journey 

Delmace’s strength was forged early. Born in Haiti with a spinal cord injury, he was abandoned before his first birthday and spent his earliest years living in a home for disabled youth. That’s where he met his future mother, Cathy. At 3½, Delmace survived the devastating 2010 earthquake—a tragedy that also cleared the path for his adoption and move to the U.S. 

From the moment his wheels hit American soil, Delmace has had one speed: fast. A thrill-seeker by nature, he took quickly to sports, especially those that involve speed, skill, and a little bit of risk. 

First Stop: San Diego Triathlon Challenge 

Delmace’s CAF journey began in 2015 when he received his first grant—for a basketball wheelchair—and attended his first San Diego Triathlon Challenge (SDTC). That experience became a pivotal moment for both Delmace and Cathy.

“When we attended two years ago, it was by far one of the most amazing experiences of both of our lives,” Cathy shared. “We can’t wait to return this October and make more memories.”

That first SDTC sparked something new: a love for wheelchair track. Since then, Delmace has completed several 5Ks and even finished his first triathlon last summer, proving that endurance is as much mental as it is physical.

On the Court: Growth Through Basketball 

Delmace’s basketball journey continues to flourish under the mentorship of professional wheelchair basketball player Ryan Martin. With Ryan’s youth development program, Delmace has leveled up his game and his mindset. 

“Ryan and the other coaches are phenomenal,” Cathy says. “The skills he’s learning go far beyond basketball.” 

And that original CAF grant—the basketball wheelchair—is still going strong today, a reminder of how life-changing the right equipment at the right time can be. 

Blazing Ice Trails with the Boston Shamrocks 

In sled hockey, Delmace has found both challenge and triumph. This year, he joined the Boston Shamrocks, playing on both their youth and adult teams—pushing himself in new ways and rising to the occasion.

Even more impressively, Delmace now serves as captain of the youth team, which recently won a national championship. He recorded two hat tricks during the tournament and has his eyes set on a future with Team USA at the Paralympic Games.

“Playing with adults was a big challenge,” Cathy says, “but he tackled it head-on, and his skills skyrocketed.”

Risk Meets Reward: WCMX on the World Stage 

Delmace isn’t just an athlete—he’s an adventurer. He spends hours at the skatepark, mastering tricks and pushing limits in WCMX (wheelchair motocross).

In 2016, he placed 3rd in the Intermediate division at the WCMX World Championships. Since then, he’s returned stronger, earning 1st place two years in a row. At the LRO skate event, he earned the “Best Overall Grom” award, highlighting his talent, tenacity, and leadership.

And his next big goal? Landing a wheelchair backflip and one day competing against his idol, Aaron Fotheringham.

Adventures Beyond the Park 

Delmace doesn’t stop when the skatepark closes or the season ends. He’s also tried his hand at surfing, catching his first wave at CAF Surf Camp in 2017 and hoping to ride many more in the future. He’s even laced up for baseball, expanding his repertoire and finding joy in every kind of play.

Where others might see limits, Delmace sees options—and takes every one of them 

More Than Medals: The Power of Community 

While the trophies and titles are impressive, Cathy sees a deeper transformation in her son. 

“The specific sports skills he has learned and the successes are only a small fraction of what he has truly gained from your continued support of him,” she writes. 

“Thank you for giving him the opportunity to meet and work with amazing athletes from around the globe. Thank you for giving him the opportunity to form lasting friendships with people he would not have otherwise had the chance to meet. And thank you for continuing to believe in him, and helping him to see that dreams are possible when people work together.” 

The Journey Continues 

With every training session, tournament, and triathlon, Delmace isn’t just building athletic skill—he’s building a life filled with confidence, courage, and connection. 

He proudly displays his CAF stickers on all his adaptive equipment and wears his CAF shirts as often as he can—not just to represent, but to remind himself of the community that believes in him. 

“We are truly blessed to have CAF in our lives,” Cathy says.