At the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), we believe that sport has the power to transform lives. Our Athlete Ambassadors are living proof. These inspiring individuals embody resilience, advocacy, and leadership—serving not only as role models in sport but also as mentors and champions of inclusion in the broader adaptive community. As part of CAF’s mission to empower individuals with physical disabilities through sport, our Ambassadors amplify our message and move others to action. 

From elite-level Paralympians to grassroots community builders, the 2024 CAF Athlete Ambassadors are redefining what’s possible—on and off the field. Get to know them, and discover how they’re shaping the future of adaptive sports. 

What Is the CAF Athlete Ambassador Program? 

CAF’s Athlete Ambassador Program was created to elevate voices within the adaptive sports community who are passionate about giving back and building a more inclusive world. Ambassadors represent CAF at events, support outreach efforts, and inspire others through mentorship, storytelling, and service. Whether they’re speaking at schools, coaching at sports clinics, or competing on the world stage, they embody CAF’s mission in action. 

These athletes don’t just participate—they lead. And their stories continue to pave the way for the next generation of adaptive athletes. 

Meet the 2024 CAF Athlete Ambassadors 

Liv Stone | Para Surf Champion & Board Member 

Liv Stone is a three-time Para Surf World Champion who discovered adaptive surfing at age 14 through Bethany Hamilton’s Foundation and CAF. After winning her first gold medal with Team USA in 2020, Liv went on to defend her title in 2021 and 2022. Her leadership extends beyond the waves—she was recently elected to USA Surfing’s Board of Directors. 

Liv considers CAF her second family: “They’ve given me amazing opportunities and welcomed me joyfully.” Her goal? Compete in the LA 2028 Paralympic Games. 

Roderick Sewell | IRONMAN Pioneer & Community Mentor 

Roderick Sewell made history as the first double above-knee amputee to complete the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona. But his journey started with major challenges—amputation at age two, a period of homelessness, and overcoming adversity with the help of CAF, which provided his first pair of running legs. 

A swimmer, handcyclist, and mentor, Roderick now teaches swim lessons at the YMCA and uses his platform to lift others up. 

Dani Aravich | Two-Sport Paralympian & Disability Advocate 

Born without her left hand and forearm, Dani Aravich has competed in both the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games—first in track and field in Tokyo 2020, then in Nordic skiing at Beijing 2022. She began her Paralympic journey with the help of a CAF grant in 2019 and now volunteers at clinics and camps to support others with limb differences. 

Travis Ricks | Coach, Triathlete & CAF Mentor 

After losing his leg due to osteosarcoma, Travis Ricks chose to embrace sport as his healing pathway. He became a Paratriathlon National Champion and served on Team USA’s Men’s Sitting Volleyball Team. As a longtime CAF Ambassador, Travis supports clinics, mentors youth, and advocates for opportunities in adaptive sport. 

Josh Sweeney | Paralympic Gold Medalist & Combat Veteran 

Marine Corps veteran Josh Sweeney became a bilateral amputee after stepping on an IED in Afghanistan. He went on to score the game-winning goal for Team USA in sled hockey at the 2014 Paralympics and later competed in paratriathlon and Nordic skiing—becoming a two-time Paralympian. 

Josh was the first handcyclist to complete the grueling 106-mile Rebecca’s Private Idaho race. CAF has supported him every step of the way. 

Willie Stewart | Endurance Icon & CAF Spokesperson 

After losing his arm in a construction accident, Willie Stewart turned adversity into opportunity—becoming a celebrated endurance athlete and longtime CAF Ambassador. His resume includes an Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon 15-time finish, multiple IRONMAN completions, a Grand Canyon kayaking expedition, and more. 

Willie plays a key role in CAF events and continues to mentor athletes of all ages. 

Steve Serio | Paralympic Champion & Team USA Leader 

A five-time Paralympian and four-time medalist, Steve Serio co-captained the USA Men’s Wheelchair Basketball Team to gold medals in 2016 and 2020, and most recently took home gold at Paris 2024. He started playing wheelchair basketball as a teen and now leads by example, advocating for inclusion in sport and beyond. 

Why Athlete Ambassadors Matter 

CAF Athlete Ambassadors do more than compete—they lead movements. Their work spans: 

• Mentorship & Representation: Inspiring youth and adults with physical disabilities to pursue sport. 

• Community Outreach: Participating in clinics, school visits, and advocacy work. 

• Raising Awareness: Sharing their stories to educate and change perceptions. 

• Building a Pipeline: Helping athletes start their journey, from first sports clinics to Paralympic dreams. 

Looking Ahead: LA 2028 and Beyond 

With the 2028 Paralympic Games coming to Los Angeles, CAF Ambassadors are more important than ever. They are role models for what’s possible, and many—including Liv Stone and Dani Aravich—are setting their sights on competing on home soil. As adaptive sports gain visibility, these ambassadors are leading the charge toward a more inclusive future for sport—and for society. 

Join the Movement 

CAF’s impact would not be possible without the heart and dedication of our Athlete Ambassadors. Their stories remind us that sport is not just about competition—it’s about community, opportunity, and purpose. 

Want to support these incredible athletes?