From first-time participants at the Kids Paratriathlon Camp to experienced athletes taking on one of endurance sport’s premier events, IRONMAN 70.3 Boise highlighted the power of access, mentorship, and community. 

Before race day arrived at IRONMAN 70.3 Boise, the impact of the weekend was already being felt across the community. 

For the second year since the event’s return to Idaho’s capital city, CAF, The IRONMAN Group, and The IRONMAN Foundation came together to create a weekend that extended far beyond the start line. Through the CAF-Idaho Kids Paratriathlon Camp, a professional athlete panel, and the participation of eleven CAF athletes in IRONMAN 70.3 Boise, the weekend showcased what becomes possible when athletes with physical disabilities have access to equipment, training, mentorship, and opportunity. 

As Boise continues to reestablish itself as a destination for endurance sport following the race’s return in 2025, the 2026 event brought additional excitement as part of the IRONMAN Pro Series. For CAF, it was another opportunity to demonstrate how inclusive race experiences can strengthen the adaptive sports community while inspiring the next generation of athletes. 

Where the Journey Begins 

The weekend kicked off with the CAF-Idaho Kids Paratriathlon Camp, where children ages 6 to 14 with physical disabilities were introduced to swimming, biking, and running through hands-on coaching and mentorship from experienced CAF athletes. 

The camp concluded with a mini triathlon, giving participants the opportunity to put their new skills into practice while experiencing the excitement of race weekend firsthand. 

For CAF Co-Founder Bob Babbitt, one of the most meaningful aspects of the camp is the opportunity for young athletes to connect with others who share similar experiences. 

“A lot of kids who come to these events don’t really see other kids like themselves,” said Babbitt. “Being able to see athletes like Willie Stewart or Michael Andreason and what they’ve accomplished lets them know it can be done.” 

These moments matter because participation in sport often comes with significant barriers. Adaptive equipment, specialized training, and competition opportunities frequently fall outside traditional sources of funding. Through grants, programs, and partnerships, CAF continues working to ensure athletes with physical disabilities have access to the same opportunities as their peers. 

From Mentorship to Competition 

Less than 24 hours after helping mentor participants at the Kids Paratriathlon Camp, eleven CAF athletes took to the course for IRONMAN 70.3 Boise. The race course consisted of the standard 70.3-mile distance: 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run. 

The athlete roster represented the broad reach of the adaptive sports community, including Paralympians, veterans, first-time competitors, coaches, advocates, and longtime CAF ambassadors. 

By taking on IRONMAN 70.3 Boise’s challenging 70.3-mile course, eleven CAF athletes joined more than 1,300 competitors at one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier endurance events, helping showcase the growing presence of adaptive athletes within the triathlon community.  

Athletes participating in the weekend included: 

• Joshua Sweeney 

• Meira Nelson 

• Willie Stewart 

• Kevin Rhinehart 

• Kelly Worrell 

• Emma Meyers 

• Marina Mears 

• Casey Watson 

• Brian Polinchock 

• Michael Andreason 

Together, they embodied the many pathways that lead athletes into sport and the many ways athletes continue to give back long after crossing a finish line. 

Willie Stewart, a three-time Paralympian and longtime CAF Ambassador, continued his legacy as both a competitor and mentor. Paralympic gold medalist Joshua Sweeney brought experience earned across paratriathlon, cycling, and winter sport. Emma Meyers represented Team USA after competing at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, while local athletes like Meira Nelson and Gia Strang highlighted the growth of Idaho’s adaptive sports community. 

Their stories may be different, but each athlete reflects CAF’s mission to remove barriers and increase access to sport for individuals with physical disabilities. 

A Community Built Through Partnership 

The impact of the weekend extended beyond race day thanks to the continued partnership between CAF, The IRONMAN Group, and The IRONMAN Foundation. 

Together, the organizations are creating opportunities that introduce young athletes to multisport while also providing pathways into premier race experiences like IRONMAN 70.3 Boise. 

“IRONMAN 70.3 Boise is more than a race weekend for CAF,” said Babbitt. “It is a chance to show what access, training and community can make possible. From youth athletes experiencing paratriathlon for the first time to seasoned CAF athletes taking on the 70.3 course, this weekend reflects the full pathway of adaptive sport.” 

That pathway was visible throughout the weekend. Young athletes discovered new possibilities through the Kids Paratriathlon Camp. Experienced competitors challenged themselves on a world-class course. Families connected with resources and community support. Spectators witnessed firsthand what becomes possible when barriers to participation are removed. 

More Than Race Day 

Known as the City of Trees, Boise provided a fitting backdrop for a weekend centered on movement and opportunity. With the Boise River, Greenbelt, foothills, and extensive outdoor recreation opportunities woven throughout everyday life, the community continues to be an important hub for adaptive sport. 

That momentum is strengthened by the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse, home to CAF-Idaho and a growing network of organizations dedicated to expanding access and recreation opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities. 

As athletes crossed the finish line at IRONMAN 70.3 Boise, the weekend served as a reminder that sport is about much more than a single race. 

It is about creating opportunities for youth athletes to try triathlon for the first time. It is about connecting athletes with mentors who have walked a similar path. It is about ensuring people with physical disabilities have access to the equipment, resources, and support needed to pursue their goals. 

From first-time campers to Paralympians and IRONMAN finishers, IRONMAN 70.3 Boise showcased the full spectrum of what adaptive sport can be and why continuing to expand access matters.