In 2016, the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) and the YMCA of San Diego County strengthened their long-standing partnership, continuing a shared mission to expand opportunities for people with physical disabilities. Since the program began in 2013, every qualifying CAF grant recipient living in San Diego County has received a Lifetime Family Membership to all YMCA branches in the county—a membership that never expires. 

By 2016, this commitment had already transformed access to sport and recreation for 394 athletes with physical disabilities, along with 898 immediate family members—a total of 1,292 people able to train, connect, and stay active in a supportive, inclusive environment. 

A Story of Resilience: Navy Veteran Scott Leason 

One standout example of this partnership’s impact is Navy Veteran Scott Leason. In 1993, while working at a convenience store, Scott was shot in the head during a robbery, resulting in the loss of his sight and sense of smell. Rebuilding his life and independence was no easy task, but sport became a central part of his recovery. 

In 2007, Scott returned to waterskiing—this time as a blind athlete—and in 2008, he began receiving CAF grants for his training through Operation Rebound®, which supports injured veterans and first responders. His YMCA lifetime membership has since become an essential part of his fitness routine. 

At 60, Scott says he’s in the best shape of his life. He and his service dog, Snickers, are often the first to arrive at the Copley-Price Family YMCA each morning at 5 a.m., just blocks from his home. 

“I’ve always loved athletics. They tried to take my independence, but I have gained my independence back,” Scott said. 

Aligned Values and Shared Mission 

The YMCA’s support goes beyond providing access to facilities. “Belonging to the Y means these athletes have a safe and encouraging environment to participate in sports and physical activities,” said Baron Herdelin-Doherty, President & CEO of the YMCA of San Diego County. “We provide a positive atmosphere where their families can come together to have fun and spend quality time, connect with friends, and learn how to live healthier. We are proud to partner with CAF and admire the athletes.” 

CAF leadership underscored the importance of the collaboration. “We are exceptionally grateful to partners like the YMCA of San Diego County, who fully align with CAF’s mission,” said then-CAF CEO Ken Wheatley. “Not only do individuals with physical disabilities get an amazing opportunity to access the YMCA’s state-of-the-art facilities for free, but through this partnership, we are able to continue providing grants for adaptive sports equipment, training, and competition expenses to athletes around the world.” 

More Than Membership 

By the end of 2016, hundreds of San Diego athletes and their families had taken advantage of their YMCA memberships to swim, cycle, lift, run, and participate in adaptive programs year-round. This partnership continues to serve as a model for how community organizations can join forces to create lasting impact—combining resources, expertise, and a shared vision to make sport accessible for everyone. 

While these numbers reflect the program’s reach as of 2016, the values and outcomes remain as relevant today as ever. Through partnerships like this, CAF ensures that more people with physical disabilities have the opportunity to live active, healthy, and connected lives through sport.