This October, the Challenged Athletes Foundation’s (CAF) Community Challenge powered by Strava will once again transform Mission Bay into one of the most inclusive sports environments in the world. From Friday, October 21 to Sunday, October 23, the 29th annual weekend will feature an expanded lineup of adaptive sports clinics, community activities, and signature events—including the San Diego Triathlon Challenge presented by Dan & Geof.

For nearly three decades, this event has brought together athletes with and without physical disabilities, supporters, sponsors, and volunteers to celebrate what is possible when barriers to sport are removed. Funds raised directly support CAF’s mission to provide equipment, training, travel, and mentorship for athletes with physical disabilities.

A Weekend Designed for All Abilities 

The 2022 Community Challenge will offer more opportunities than ever for participants of all ages and ability levels. Sunday’s program features crowd favorites like the Tour de Cove stationary cyclethon, Yoga by the Bay, the 5K Fitness Walk, and the high-energy Kids Run and Roll presented by Philadelphia Insurance Companies—now designed for youth with physical disabilities to race, roll, and shine in front of a cheering crowd.

New this year, the event expo will create a festival atmosphere open to the public with free Jeffs’ Beach Burgers, non-alcoholic beer tastings from Athletic Brewing Company, haircuts by John Paul Mitchell Systems, a Toyota Athlete Lounge recovery area, and a kid’s inflatable fun zone.

“CAF’s Community Challenge weekend is one of the most inclusive and extraordinary sports environments where athletes of all ages and abilities come together to experience the power of sport,” said Kristine Entwistle, CAF Chief Executive Director. “Every year we distribute thousands of grants, and every October we welcome our community to come witness CAF’s mission in action. This year, we’ve expanded our adaptive clinics to give even more athletes the chance to participate in an unparalleled sports experience.”

Friday, October 21 – A Powerful Kickoff 

The weekend begins with a USAT Open Water Adaptive Swim Experience and the first-ever USABA Blind Soccer Experience for individuals with visual impairments. Wheelchair Tennis and Pickleball clinics at the Bahia Resort will provide additional opportunities to learn, compete, and connect.

One of the weekend’s most anticipated moments comes in the afternoon, when over 125 cyclists from the Million Dollar Challenge presented by Sully Entertainment will ride into La Jolla Shores after a seven-day, 640-mile journey from San Francisco. That evening, CAF will host the Celebration of Abilities Awards at the Bahia Ballroom, recognizing athletes and partners for trailblazing achievements throughout the year.

Saturday, October 22 – Adaptive Clinics Across Mission Bay 

More than 150 athletes with physical disabilities from across the country are expected to take part in CAF’s expert-led clinics. Opportunities include: 

• Össur & CAF Running and Mobility Clinic 

• Adaptive Surf Clinic 

• Wheelchair Basketball Experience 

• USABA Goalball Clinic 

These sessions not only provide world-class coaching but also foster mentorship, connection, and confidence for athletes at all skill levels. 

Sunday, October 23 – The Best Day in Tri 

The final day begins with the Parade of Athletes at Bonita Cove, followed by the San Diego Triathlon Challenge, a challenge-distance event that pairs a one-mile calm bay swim, a 36-mile scenic bike ride, and a 10-mile run through Mission Bay. Participants compete side-by-side—pro athletes, celebrities, and first-timers alongside over 150 athletes with physical disabilities.

Other Sunday highlights include: 

• Tour de Cove presented by EōS Fitness 

• Yoga by the Bay presented by EōS Fitness 

• 5K Fitness Walk 

• Kids Run and Roll presented by Philadelphia Insurance Companies 

For the first time, attendees can also try new adaptive sports at the Nike Flyease Sport Court, tackle the GRIT Freedom Chair obstacle course, climb an adaptive rock wall, or get out on the water with adaptive kayaking and paddle boarding through the Mission Bay Aquatic Center. 

A Community Effort 

The success of the Community Challenge depends on the generosity of partners and sponsors who share CAF’s belief that sport should be accessible to all. This year’s presenting and supporting sponsors include: Strava, Dan & Geof, 100%, Athletic Brewing Company, EōS Fitness, Nike, Össur, Philadelphia Insurance Companies, Toyota, XTERRA Wetsuits, Union Bank, San Diego Padres, Accenture, John Paul Mitchell Systems, and many others whose contributions make these events possible.

Be Part of the Action 

Whether you swim, cycle, run, roll, volunteer, or simply come to cheer, the CAF Community Challenge is an open invitation to experience inclusion in action. Registration is still available at challengedathletes.org/communitychallenge. 

All proceeds from the weekend go directly toward grants and programs that help athletes with physical disabilities access the equipment, coaching, and competitive opportunities they need to thrive.