CAF’s 30th anniversary weekend was a celebration of grit, community, and the belief that sport can transform lives. Through three major events—the Million Dollar Challenge presented by Sully Entertainment, the CAF Community Challenge fueled by Toyota, and Tour de Cove presented by EōS Fitness—nearly 1,100 supporters came together to raise more than $5.3 million.
Every dollar raised will help remove barriers for people with physical disabilities to participate in adaptive sports, giving them access to the equipment, training, and experiences that make an active lifestyle possible.
The weekend began at Bonita Cove in Mission Beach with an Open Water Adaptive Swim Clinic and Adaptive Paddle Boarding session. These clinics offered both newcomers and seasoned athletes the chance to refine their skills in a supportive environment, guided by experienced coaches and volunteers.
That afternoon, anticipation built at La Jolla Shores as 169 cyclists—including 28 athletes with physical disabilities—completed the 620-mile Million Dollar Challenge (MDC) ride from San Francisco to San Diego. Crossing the finish line together symbolized the inclusivity and determination that define CAF’s community. This year’s MDC raised more than $3.7 million, making it one of CAF’s most impactful fundraising rides to date.
The evening concluded with the Celebration of Abilities, honoring athletes, partners, and community members whose contributions and achievements have advanced CAF’s mission over the past year. Award recipients represented a wide range of sports, personal journeys, and inspiring stories of resilience.
Saturday was dedicated to skill development and mentorship through CAF’s adaptive sports clinics. Events included the Össur + CAF Running and Mobility Clinic, Adaptive Paddle Boarding, Adaptive Cycling, Wheelchair Tennis, and a Pool Swim at the T. Claude and Gladys B. Ryan Family YMCA.
Over 150 athletes with physical disabilities from across the nation trained side by side, learning from expert coaches and connecting with peers who share a love for sport. For many participants, this was a first-time experience in adaptive athletics—opening the door to new sports and new possibilities.
One of the most memorable moments came when 14-year-old McKenzi Johnson was surprised with an Össur prosthetic running leg. Her new leg will allow her to play basketball and volleyball at her high school, giving her the freedom to compete without limitation.
The final day began with the Parade of Athletes at Bonita Cove, leading into CAF’s flagship event—the San Diego Triathlon Challenge (SDTC) presented by Dan + Geof. Known as “the best day in tri,” the event featured a one-mile bay swim, a 35-mile scenic bike ride, and a 10-mile run through Mission Bay.
Friends, family, and supporters lined the finish chute to cheer for every participant—whether they were crossing the line for the first time or the thirtieth.
The energy carried over into the Jami Marseilles Challenged Athletes Kids Run and Roll presented by Philadelphia Insurance Companies, where young athletes raced, rolled, and ran with infectious joy. For many, this event was their favorite of the weekend, celebrating the pure fun of sport.
Meanwhile, the Tour de Cove stationary cycling challenge was in full swing, raising $110,000. Set to the soundtrack of 90s hits, athletes and supporters pedaled together to support greater inclusivity in sport.
The day also featured the Toyota Sports Festival, an interactive showcase of wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, curling, and sled hockey. These hands-on activities allowed participants without physical disabilities to experience adaptive sports firsthand, building understanding and breaking down barriers.
This year’s Community Challenge weekend broke records for participation, with more than 150 athletes with physical disabilities competing alongside over 800 athletes without disabilities. Participants ranged from injured veterans to children experiencing their first taste of competition, proving that sport has the power to unite across age, background, and ability.
Looking back to the first SDTC in 1994—when Nike donated running shoes to participants—the growth of CAF’s impact is remarkable. Three decades later, those same partnerships, along with sponsors like Sully Entertainment, Toyota, EōS Fitness, Philadelphia Insurance Companies, and others, continue to fuel CAF’s vision of a more inclusive world for athletes of all abilities.
Every stroke, pedal, and stride from the weekend was more than just athletic effort—it was a declaration that opportunities should exist for everyone, and that barriers are meant to be broken. By joining CAF’s mission, you can help ensure that more people with physical disabilities have the chance to experience the joy, community, and empowerment that sport brings.
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