After more than a year of uncertainty, CAF’s signature fundraising weekend returned to San Diego with renewed energy and purpose. From October 22–24, 2021, the CAF Community Weekend brought athletes, supporters, and spectators together for three days of celebration, competition, and connection.

The highlight of the weekend—the 28th Annual San Diego Triathlon Challenge—took place at Mission Bay for the first time in event history. The move created a more accessible venue for athletes with physical disabilities and allowed all weekend activities to be hosted in close proximity, fostering a stronger sense of community.

“After such an unprecedented year, we can’t wait to reunite the CAF community and re-ignite the heart and spirit of athletes of all abilities,” said Virginia Tinley, CAF Chief Executive Director. “The move to Mission Bay will help provide an unparalleled sports experience for all, expanded accessibility for our athletes, and a chance to host all events of the weekend within close proximity of each other.”

A Full Weekend of Sport, Fundraising, and Connection

The weekend included a variety of events designed to inspire, engage, and raise funds for CAF’s mission: to provide opportunities and support to people with physical disabilities so they can pursue sports, fitness, and competitive athletics.

Events included:

• The ceremonial finish of the Million Dollar Challenge, a seven-day coastal cycling journey from San Francisco to San Diego.

• The Celebration of Abilities Awards Dinner honoring athletes, partners, and community members for extraordinary achievements.

• Multiple adaptive sports clinics offering expert coaching in running, mobility, tennis, and swimming.

• The high-energy EōS Fitness Tour de Cove stationary cycling marathon.

• Yoga by the Sea, a 5K walk, and the always inspiring Kids Run.

By the end of the weekend, millions of dollars had been raised to remove barriers to sport for people with physical disabilities.

Friday, October 22: Waves, Wheels, and Awards

The weekend began with the Junior Seau Foundation Adaptive Surf Program Kids Clinic, where young athletes learned adaptive surfing skills from experienced coaches. The XTERRA Wetsuits Ocean Water Swim Clinic gave athletes the chance to build confidence and technique in open water.

That afternoon, the community gathered at Mission Bay to cheer in 160 cyclists completing the Million Dollar Challenge—a 7-day, 620-mile ride from San Francisco. The riders, including several athletes with physical disabilities, raised over $1 million in support of CAF.

The day concluded with the Celebration of Abilities Awards Dinner, held for the first time at SeaWorld. Hosted by CAF co-founder Bob Babbitt, the evening recognized trailblazing athletes, dedicated partners, and supporters whose commitment and resilience inspire the CAF community year-round.

Saturday, October 23: Training, Mentorship, and Skill-Building

Saturday was all about giving athletes the tools to grow in their sport. CAF hosted a series of adaptive sports clinics led by expert coaches and mentors, including:

• The Össur Running and Mobility Clinic, helping athletes improve gait, speed, and efficiency with prosthetic running blades.

• Wheelchair Tennis, teaching techniques for mobility, control, and power on the court.

• Adaptive Swimming, focusing on stroke efficiency, breathing, and endurance.

Over 200 athletes with physical disabilities from across the nation participated, many trying new sports for the first time, others honing skills for future competition.

Sunday, October 24: The Best Day in Triathlon

The final day began with the Parade of Athletes, a symbolic procession of athletes, legends, celebrities, and supporters moving together toward the start line.

The San Diego Triathlon Challenge then took center stage, offering three ways to participate:

• A full challenge-distance triathlon: one-mile calm bay swim, 41-mile scenic bike ride, and 10-mile run along the California coastline.

• A three-person relay, with each teammate completing one leg.

• Single-discipline entry, for those who preferred to focus on swim, bike, or run.

The course featured iconic San Diego landmarks like Cabrillo Monument and Mt. Soledad, with sweeping views of Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and the downtown skyline.

More than 200 athletes with physical disabilities competed side by side with over 600 athletes without disabilities, embodying CAF’s mission of inclusivity in sport.

EōS Fitness Tour de Cove and Kids Run

While triathletes tackled Mission Bay, more than 200 participants filled the Tour de Cove tent for 4.5 hours of nonstop stationary cycling—either solo or in three-person relay teams. The energy was contagious, fueled by music, crowd support, and a shared passion for raising funds that create access to sport.

The Kids Run, presented on Sunday morning, brought pure joy to the weekend. Children of all abilities raced, rolled, and ran down the course to enthusiastic cheers, showing that the future of sport is bright and inclusive.

Virtual Community Challenge Extends the Reach

For those unable to join in person, the Virtual Community Challenge ran from October 1–24, allowing participants worldwide to engage in fitness challenges, contests, and fundraising from home. Athletes logged miles by running, walking, rolling, swimming, or cycling, and shared their progress on social media using #CAFCommunityChallenge.

A Celebration of Possibility

Dubbed “the best day in triathlon,” the CAF Community Weekend came just weeks after the 2021 Paralympic Games, drawing star athletes like Rudy Garcia-Tolson, Amy Dixon, Erik Hightower, Kym Crosby-Hightower, and Justin Phongsavanh.

From injured veterans to young first-time competitors, the weekend reminded everyone that sport has the power to unite, inspire, and change lives. By the close of the event, the CAF community had not only raised millions but also reaffirmed its commitment to building a more inclusive world through sport.