For CAF Board Member and MUFG Union Bank Managing Director David Jochim, sport has always been a constant. As a child, he pedaled alongside his father on 50-mile bike rides, experiences that instilled in him the discipline, goal-setting, and joy that would carry into his adult life as a distance runner and triathlete.

By 2019, David had been part of CAF for over a decade, helping to guide its mission and championing the belief that athletics should be accessible to everyone — regardless of physical ability.

An Invitation That Changed Everything

David’s first introduction to CAF came 16 years earlier, through MUFG Union Bank’s long-standing partnership with the organization. At the time, his friend and fellow board member Mary Curran invited him to take part in the San Diego Triathlon Challenge (SDTC) in La Jolla Cove.

That weekend proved transformative. The SDTC’s course — a 1.2-mile swim, 55-mile bike ride, and 13-mile run — is a challenge for even the fittest athletes. Seeing individuals with physical disabilities tackle the event head-on, using adaptive sports equipment and sheer determination, reshaped David’s understanding of resilience and human potential.

“It was inspiring,” he said in 2019. “Difficult for me, amazing for folks with extra challenges.”

He has returned to SDTC every year since, often bringing colleagues and friends to share in the experience.

More Than a Race

While SDTC showcases world-class athleticism, its atmosphere sets it apart from traditional endurance events. It’s as much a celebration as it is a competition — with athletes and supporters encouraging each other, sharing stories, and forging lifelong connections.

One of David’s favorite moments happens on the Saturday before the race, when athletes gather on the grassy lawn to receive new equipment — from handcycles to racing wheelchairs to running blades. The distribution is more than just a gear handoff; it’s a visible expression of CAF’s mission in action.

“You see young children from all over the country hanging out together,” David reflected. “On this weekend, they are no longer different — they’re part of the same team.”

Why Access Matters

David has long championed CAF’s holistic approach to breaking down barriers in sports. Beyond equipment, CAF provides mentoring, coaching, and financial assistance to cover travel, training, and competition costs — resources that can be life-changing for athletes with physical disabilities.

“The right equipment and support open the door to opportunities that might have seemed impossible before,” David explained. “It gives people the chance to participate fully, to push their limits, and to discover what they’re capable of.”

A Lasting Commitment

By 2019, David had served on CAF’s Board of Directors for 14 years, continuing MUFG Union Bank’s tradition of active engagement with the organization. Over that time, he’s seen hundreds of athletes take on new challenges — some as first-time participants, others as Paralympians — all united by a shared passion for sport.

“You can change someone’s life forever by providing them with mobility, athletic opportunities, and support,” David said. “That’s what makes CAF’s mission so powerful.”

Join the Movement

David’s story is just one example of the deep connections and life-changing moments that happen through CAF events like the San Diego Triathlon Challenge. Whether you participate, volunteer, or support from the sidelines, you can help open the world of sports to individuals with physical disabilities. Make your impact today and be part of a community that celebrates ability in all its forms.