Every October, during its flagship San Diego Triathlon Challenge weekend, the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) hosts an unforgettable evening—the Celebration of Abilities (COA) Awards Dinner. This annual tradition honors individuals and partners who embody CAF’s mission and have made exceptional contributions to empowering people with physical challenges through sports.
The 2022 Celebration of Abilities brought together athletes, families, friends, and supporters for a night filled with powerful stories of perseverance, leadership, and inspiration. This year’s honorees represent the heart of CAF: athletes who push boundaries, leaders who lift others up, and partners who ensure everyone has access to the transformational power of sport.
CAF’s highest annual honor given to the individual or individuals who have made the greatest contribution to the CAF mission this year.
Over a decade ago, avid cyclists Dean Roeper and Scott Rhodes joined CAF’s Million Dollar Challenge (MDC), a 640-mile ride down California’s coast that raises critical funds to remove barriers to sport. Since 2009, they’ve served as Co-Chairmen of the event, guiding its growth into a premier experience that has raised more than $21 million, with $18 million attributed to their leadership alone.
Dean and Scott are more than organizers—they’ve each pedaled thousands of miles alongside challenged athletes, fostering community, recruiting ride leaders, and mentoring new participants. Even during the pandemic, they refused to let CAF’s mission slow down, leading MDC to a record-breaking return year. Their servant leadership and unwavering commitment to CAF echo the spirit of Jim MacLaren, CAF’s inspiration and namesake for this award.
A partner who has made a significant contribution to CAF in the past year and whose values best reflect the values and mission of CAF.
For 17 years, Accenture has partnered with CAF, contributing more than $800,000 to support Operation Rebound, signature events, and initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion. In 2022, Accenture’s Innovation Challenge invited college students nationwide to develop solutions for CAF’s High School Adaptive Sports Program.
The result was more than a competition—Accenture delivered a pro bono strategic roadmap to help CAF deeply engage parents, athletes, and coaches, ultimately expanding adaptive sports opportunities for youth. Their belief that anyone can be an athlete aligns perfectly with CAF’s mission and ensures that the future of adaptive sports is inclusive and community-driven.
The partner who has provided the most support in creating the CAF message and amplifying it through media.
Filmmaker Eric Cochran spent eight years chronicling the journey of Landis Sims, a young athlete born without hands and feet, as he pursued his dream of playing high school baseball. What began as a personal project became “Landis: Just Watch Me,” a film that’s inspired countless viewers and brought CAF’s mission to national audiences through People Magazine, USA Today, ESPN, NBC Nightly News, and more.
Eric’s dedication, self-funding, and authentic storytelling earned him this award, proving that powerful media can ignite awareness and change perceptions of what athletes with physical challenges can accomplish.
An athlete who, through perseverance and exceptional athletic conditioning, has achieved extraordinary levels of success in sport.
With 17 Paralympic medals across cycling and Nordic skiing, Oksana Masters continues to redefine excellence in adaptive sports. At the 2022 Beijing Paralympics, she medaled in all seven events she entered, including her favorite—the team relay. Her relentless drive and elite performance earned her two ESPY nominations, not just as the best female athlete with a disability, but as one of the best athletes, period.
Oksana’s career reflects resilience, adaptability, and an unyielding pursuit of greatness that inspires athletes everywhere.
A challenged athlete who demonstrated courage, commitment, and leadership—not just in their personal performance but in opening doors for others.
Born without his left hand, Chris Hammer shattered expectations in collegiate track before becoming a three-time Paralympian. After strong performances in London and Rio, Chris switched to paratriathlon, narrowly missing the podium in both Rio and Tokyo.
In 2021, Chris debuted in long-distance racing at Ironman 70.3 Augusta, winning his age group, placing 16th overall, and defeating several professional triathletes. He then made history as the first challenged athlete to earn a professional triathlete card. Chris’s courage to break barriers paves the way for future adaptive athletes to compete at the highest levels of triathlon.
Given to the athlete or athletes who have overcome obstacles to achieve new heights in sports and sports mentorship.
An avid snowboarder since childhood, Zach’s life changed dramatically after a 2010 motorcycle accident that resulted in triple amputation. Determined to return to the slopes, Zach spent years rebuilding his mobility and adapting prostheses to handle snowboarding’s demands.
Despite limited classifications or peers in adaptive snowboarding, Zach refused to let obstacles stand in his way. Today, he’s not only shredding mountains again but also mentoring others facing similar challenges, proving that joy and freedom in sport are always worth pursuing.
A young athlete who has demonstrated commitment, dedication, and focus to meet an athletic goal.
A below-knee amputee from Pensacola, Florida, Emma Meyers is a rising force in paratriathlon. As a member of the U23/Junior Paratriathlon Development Team, she earned elite status and will soon compete internationally in France. A dedicated student-athlete—serving as Junior Class President and competing in swimming and cross-country—Emma balances academics and athletics with drive and humility.
Her journey with CAF began in 2019 at a Youth Paratriathlon Camp, where she received a CAF-granted bike on stage. Emma’s sights are now set on representing Team USA at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.
At just three years old, Chase Merriweather’s life changed when a severe flu led to septic shock and amputations of his hands and feet. From that moment, Chase displayed extraordinary resilience. Today, he’s a multi-sport athlete competing in track and field nationally, setting personal records at Junior Nationals and inspiring everyone he meets.
CAF grants have supported Chase’s journey, helping him access the equipment and opportunities needed to pursue his athletic passions. His fearless attitude and love of competition exemplify the spirit of the Sam Day Rising Star Award.
The Celebration of Abilities Awards Dinner isn’t just about trophies—it’s a night that highlights the heart of CAF’s mission. From long-time supporters and partners driving systemic change, to world-class athletes breaking records, to young stars proving that nothing is impossible, these honorees remind us that sports have the power to transform lives.
As CAF looks toward the future, these champions ensure that no athlete is left on the sidelines and that every individual, regardless of physical challenge, can discover their full potential through sport.
Sign up for stories of resilience, event invites, and ways to make a difference delivered with heart, straight to your inbox.
Thank you for subscribing! Check your inbox regularly for updates
from the CAF team.
Apply for grants for adaptive sports equipment, prosthetics, coaching, and more.
Find adaptive experiences and events for your sport near you.
Find adaptive experiences and events for your sport near you.
Learn about outreach, awareness, and education programs for schools.
Join programs in our key regions.
Adaptive Sports Organizations listed by state and country.
Browse our resources by sport to find the right equipment, trainings, and organizations for you.
Make a 100% tax deductible donation with one click.
Donate every month. Just $10 makes a
difference.
Find another way to give that works for you.
Get in front of an engaged and passionate audience and support our mission while advancing your goals.
Create an impact by sponsoring life-changing events.
Support your corporate giving initiatives with 100% tax deductible donations.
Create an event you’re passionate about in a few easy steps.
Contribute to or take part in an existing event.
Learn how to get your school involved in a great cause and access tools for success.
Explore digital or in-person volunteer opportunities at a CAF event near you.
Join inclusive adaptive sports events and experiences open to everyone.
Discover upcoming events in your area to fundraise, participate, or volunteer.
Explore regional community events, clinics, and donation options in the greater Bay Area.
Explore regional events, grants, and donation options in San Diego, Orange County, and LA County.
Explore community events, clinics, grants, and more in the state of Idaho.
Explore local community events, clinics, and donation options in the Northeast region.
Ride with us. No matter where you are, you’re part of the CAF cycling community.
Find something that moves you. Athlete stories, event coverage, and more.
Explore our resource library to access information on your adaptive sport.
Explore our video library to get digital coaching, equipment guides, and more.
Access the tools you need to best support your fundraising efforts.
