Ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) and USRowing today announced a multi-year partnership to help emerging rowers with physical disabilities progress from early participation toward elite competition.

The collaboration is the first in a series of CAF partnerships with National Governing Bodies (NGBs) focused on strengthening the development of athletes with physical disabilities. Through grant funding, development camps, talent identification and athlete storytelling, CAF and USRowing will help more athletes access the resources and opportunities needed to advance in the sport.

During the first year, the partnership aims to provide grants and scholarships to 10 to 15 emerging athletes in Para rowing, support two development camps, and increase awareness of Para rowing opportunities nationwide.

“CAF has always believed that access to sport can transform lives,” said Patrick Lawrence, Chief Programs Officer at Challenged Athletes Foundation. “By partnering with USRowing and other National Governing Bodies, we can provide emerging athletes with the support they need to continue progressing and build a stronger Paralympic pipeline for LA28 and beyond.”

By combining CAF’s experience supporting athletes with physical disabilities with USRowing’s sport-specific expertise, the organizations will also create clearer entry points for individuals who may not know that Para rowing is available or how to get involved.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Challenged Athletes Foundation to expand access and opportunity for Para rowers across the country,” said Will Bott, Director of Inclusion and Community Engagement, USRowing. “This partnership will help remove barriers, connect more athletes to rowing opportunities, and strengthen the pathway for athletes with disabilities at every level. We’re grateful to CAF and its supporters for investing in this work and helping us build a stronger future for rowing.”

Additional CAF partnerships with National Governing Bodies will be announced individually in the coming months, creating sustained support and visibility for emerging athletes across multiple Paralympic sports.

Athletes interested in learning more about Para rowing opportunities can visit https://usrowing.org/athletes/para-adaptive. Information about CAF grants, programs and support for athletes with physical disabilities is available at https://www.challengedathletes.org/

USRowing is the national governing body for the sport of rowing in the United States, responsible for stewarding, strengthening, and growing American rowing by championing performance and igniting new passion for the sport. USRowing serves a broad and dedicated community—athletes, coaches, referees, volunteers, clubs, and event organizers—and the U.S. National Team. Through events, programming, education, and fundraising, USRowing supports participation at every level—from novices through the high performance athletes dedicated to reaching Olympic and Paralympic podiums.