The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) recently partnered with CrossFit 1904 to host a Functional Fitness clinic that brought athletes, coaches, and community together for a powerful day of movement, learning, and connection.

Designed to meet athletes where they are, the clinic focused on adaptive strength training, seated exercises, and functional movement, creating an inclusive environment where athletes of all experience levels could challenge themselves, celebrate progress, and build confidence through sport.

Celebrating Firsts and Personal Milestones

For many athletes, the clinic marked meaningful firsts that extended far beyond the gym floor.

Nate LeBrosse achieved his first pull-up since acquiring a spinal cord injury, a milestone that reflected months of perseverance and the impact of adaptive training. Nate embraced both the physical challenge and the supportive community that surrounded him.

Jessica Medina attended her first CAF clinic since becoming a single below-knee amputee in early 2025 following osteosarcoma. The clinic offered an opportunity to reconnect with sport, explore new movement patterns, and find strength alongside others who understand the journey. Jessica shared her excitement about continuing to attend CAF clinics and her gratitude for being welcomed into the CAF community.

Cali Hartmann also participated in her first Functional Fitness clinic, leaving energized and inspired to apply what she learned to her basketball and surf goals. The clinic reinforced how adaptive fitness can support athletes across multiple sports and empower them to pursue movement in new ways.

Coaching That Meets Athletes Where They Are

Adaptive coach Brett Palser played a key role in leading the clinic. A coach at CrossFit 1904 and an accomplished CrossFit competitor, Brett guided athletes through seated and adaptive exercises while modeling the creativity, respect, and adaptability that define inclusive coaching.

By focusing on form, function, and individualized modifications, the clinic demonstrated how Functional Fitness creates access to strength training while maintaining intensity, purpose, and community.

Moving Forward Together

This Functional Fitness clinic was a reminder that progress looks different for every athlete and every milestone matters. Through partnerships like this, CAF continues to expand access to inclusive fitness opportunities that empower athletes with physical disabilities to move, train, and thrive together.

As athletes left the gym stronger, more confident, and more connected, one thing was clear: adaptive fitness is not just about movement — it’s about possibility, community, and redefining what strength looks like.