Each October, the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) brings together its global community of athletes, donors, partners, and supporters for an unforgettable weekend celebrating the power of sport to transform lives. At the heart of this weekend is the Celebration of Abilities, a moving awards program that honors the athletes and advocates who define perseverance, community, and inclusion. 

In 2021, we were thrilled to return to an in-person gathering in San Diego to spotlight remarkable stories and accomplishments. From world-class performances on the global stage to behind-the-scenes dedication that fuels progress, these honorees have shown what it means to truly challenge—and redefine—what’s possible. 

The Jim MacLaren Award 

Paula Whalen & The Kenneth Whalen Family Foundation 

Named after CAF’s original inspiration, the Jim MacLaren Award is the highest annual honor given to an individual or group who has made an extraordinary contribution to the CAF mission. 

Paula Whalen and her family foundation have donated over $1 million to support challenged athletes across the country. Paula first encountered CAF through her late husband, Ken Whalen, who was introduced to the organization after completing the San Diego Triathlon Challenge in 2014 and meeting fellow athlete Eduardo Garcia. The event and the community made a lasting impression. 

Ken passed away unexpectedly the following year. In his memory, Paula approached CAF with the idea of creating a legacy project. The result was the Ken Whalen Surf Challenge, a community surf event held in Mission Beach that brings together athletes of all abilities while raising vital funds for CAF’s programs. 

Paula’s impact didn’t stop there. She also provided the critical funding needed to launch the CAF High School Adaptive Sports Program (HSASP)—an initiative that opens new opportunities for youth athletes with physical disabilities. Her continued generosity and advocacy have introduced countless new donors and partners to CAF’s mission. 

Partner of the Year 

Toyota 

The CAF Partner of the Year award recognizes a corporate or organizational partner whose contributions have had a profound impact on CAF’s mission. In 2021, that partner was Toyota. 

Toyota has supported CAF for the past four years with essential vehicle donations and financial contributions. As a leading advocate for the Paralympic movement, Toyota has invested heavily in creating visibility and opportunity for adaptive athletes across the globe. 

With more than 60% of Team USA athletes supported by CAF at the Tokyo 2020/2021 Paralympic Games, Toyota’s role in helping these athletes succeed could not be more clear. Their support extends far beyond sponsorship—it’s about alignment of values, inclusion, and championing potential. 

Toyota and CAF proudly share a roster of elite athletes including Oksana Masters, Steve Serio, Jessica Long, and Alana Nichols, each of whom has made a significant impact in their sport and inspired audiences around the world. 

Trailblazer Award 

Kym Crosby-Hightower, Erik Hightower, and Justin Phongsavanh 

The Trailblazer Award honors challenged athletes who not only reach exceptional levels in sport but also pave the way for others through leadership and mentorship. In 2021, three standout Paralympians shared the honor: Kym Crosby-Hightower, Erik Hightower, and Justin Phongsavanh.

All three served as coaches in the CAF High School Adaptive Sports Program while training for the Paralympic Games—demonstrating extraordinary dedication to the next generation of athletes.

• Kym Crosby-Hightower was born with albinism and is legally blind with 20/400 vision. After exploring many sports, she found her passion in track and field. Her commitment and talent led her to become a two-time Paralympic bronze medalist, and today she inspires youth with vision impairments to explore sport without limits.

• Erik Hightower began racing at the age of eight. Though he initially resisted wheelchair sports, he was eventually persuaded—and never looked back. Now with over 25 years of racing experience, Erik is ranked among the top 10 globally in the 100m T54 class and recently competed at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. His mentorship of young athletes is a powerful part of his legacy.

• Justin Phongsavanh was a multi-sport athlete in high school when a random act of violence left him with a spinal cord injury. After receiving a CAF grant for a throwing chair and javelin, Justin joined the national team. He competed in Tokyo and brought home a bronze medal, all while coaching youth athletes and advocating for sport as a source of recovery and strength. 

Aspen Medical Products Most Inspirational Award 

Will Groulx 

The Most Inspirational Award honors an athlete whose determination and passion for sport touches everyone around them. Few embody this better than Will Groulx, a five-time Paralympian and world-class competitor in both wheelchair rugby and road cycling.

Will served in the U.S. Navy before a motorcycle accident resulted in paralysis from the chest down. Just seven months later, he discovered wheelchair rugby—a life-changing moment that led to national and international success. He later added handcycling to his repertoire, becoming a dual-sport athlete with multiple Paralympic medals. 

Will’s presence on the field—and in the community—serves as a reminder that the path forward is always possible, even in the face of life-altering challenges. 

Exceptional Athletic Performance 

Lauren Parker and Kendall Gretsch 

This award recognizes athletes who have reached the highest levels of achievement through perseverance, training, and competitive excellence. 

• Lauren Parker, a former professional triathlete from Australia, was training for Ironman Australia in 2017 when a devastating bike crash left her with paraplegia. Just one year later, with the help of a CAF grant for a handcycle, she returned to racing and began dominating the international para-triathlon scene. She won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2018 and a silver medal at the Tokyo Paralympic Games. 

• Kendall Gretsch, born with spina bifida, quickly became one of the most versatile adaptive athletes in the world. She earned multiple national and world titles in paratriathlon before joining Team USA for the Winter Paralympics in 2018, where she won gold in both Para Biathlon and Nordic Skiing. In 2021, she captured the gold medal in para-triathlon at the Tokyo Games, narrowly edging out Parker by just one second in one of the most thrilling races of the Games.

Their storylines—intertwined by both rivalry and mutual respect—illustrate the power of sport to transcend personal limits and unite athletes around the world. 

Sam Day Rising Star Award 

Parker Olenick and Skyler Fisher 

This award celebrates young athletes who demonstrate drive, discipline, and remarkable promise. In 2021, Parker Olenick and Skyler Fisher were honored for their commitment to sport and personal growth.

• Parker Olenick was born 10 weeks early and diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age 2½. Doctors gave him a long list of limitations—but Parker challenged every expectation. By age 11, he was playing sled hockey with the San Diego Ducks and surfing year-round in competitive leagues like the Western Surfing Association and Adaptive Surf League.

• Skyler Fisher, age 17, excels in swimming, triathlon, and track and field, and isn’t afraid to try new sports like WCMX. In 2021 alone, she attended the CAF Youth Para Triathlon Camp, Junior Nationals, and the Legacy Triathlon. With support from a CAF grant and a spot on the CAF/USAT Junior ParaTriathlon Team, Skyler brought home more than 25 medals across various competitions.

Volunteer of the Year 

Mike Jennings 

CAF relies on the heart and dedication of volunteers to bring our programs to life. In 2021, Mike Jennings was recognized for his unwavering support.

Since retiring, Mike has donated countless hours to CAF’s cycling and triathlon programs, serving as a bike mechanic, driver, and logistical support lead. His work has been especially critical in launching CAF’s new e-assist program, which broadens access to adaptive cycling for athletes of all abilities.

Mike’s generosity, skill, and humility make him an invaluable part of the CAF family.

A Weekend of Ability, Belonging, and Triumph 

The Celebration of Abilities is more than an awards dinner—it’s a reflection of what’s possible when a community comes together to remove barriers and elevate potential.

These award recipients represent a cross-section of athletic brilliance, resilience, and generosity. From youth surf prodigies to Paralympic medalists, from corporate partners to volunteers, the 2021 honorees help us build a more inclusive world through sport.