Idaho has rapidly become a thriving hub for adaptive athletes, thanks in part to the growing presence of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) in the region. From rolling hills and mountain peaks to world-class training grounds, Idaho offers a dynamic landscape for individuals with physical disabilities to explore sport, gain confidence, and pursue Paralympic dreams. 

In recent years, CAF Idaho has expanded its reach, helping adaptive athletes grow in both summer and winter sports. The region now supports budding and elite athletes in everything from adaptive cycling to Para Nordic skiing, sled hockey, and biathlon—opening new doors for Paralympic hopefuls in the West. 

As the Winter Paralympic Games commenced in Beijing in 2022, several Idaho-based CAF athletes proudly represented Team USA on the global stage. Here’s a look at their stories—and how access to equipment, coaching, and community made all the difference. 

CAF Idaho: Building an Adaptive Sports Movement 

CAF Idaho launched in 2019 with the mission of empowering individuals with physical challenges through sports. Since its inception, the program has made a significant impact through grants, local events, clinics, and mentorship, connecting athletes of all ages to the resources and support they need to thrive. 

By investing in Idaho-based athletes, CAF has cultivated a strong local presence and a pipeline of talent—some of whom are now Paralympians. 

“CAF Idaho has not only provided critical funding for equipment and travel—it’s created a community where athletes can grow, compete, and belong,” said [local CAF representative or coach, if available]. 

Meet Idaho’s Paralympic Athletes 

Dani Aravich  

Born without her left hand and forearm, Dani Aravich has never let her limb difference stand in the way of her competitive spirit. After a successful collegiate career in cross country and track and field, Dani turned her focus to adaptive sports and quickly made waves as both an athlete and a mentor. 

She competed in the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo in the 400M sprint before shifting her focus to winter sports. After catching the attention of a U.S. Paralympic Nordic Ski coach at a training camp in 2019, Dani embraced the challenge and began training full-time in biathlon and cross-country skiing. 

Dani now represents Team USA in both summer and winter Paralympic sports, a rare and remarkable feat. 

Josh Sweeney  

Josh Sweeney grew up immersed in sports, with hockey quickly becoming his favorite. After graduating high school, Josh served in the Marine Corps. While on deployment in Afghanistan in 2009, he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED), resulting in the loss of both legs above the knee. 

Josh’s recovery led him back to sport—this time through adaptive sled hockey. He quickly rose through the ranks, eventually captaining the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team and winning gold at the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi. 

Today, Josh is taking on a new challenge as a member of the U.S. Para Nordic Skiing Team, proving that resilience and reinvention go hand in hand. His journey continues to inspire CAF athletes across the country. 

Jesse Keefe  

At just 17 years old, Idaho native Jesse Keefe is already making a name for himself in alpine skiing. Born without an ankle bone in his right foot, Jesse underwent amputation before his first birthday. He discovered his love for skiing at an early age, winning his first race at age three and later joining the prestigious Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation at just seven years old. 

In 2021, Jesse won the U.S. National Giant Slalom and was selected to join the U.S. National Para Alpine Team—a dream realized through years of dedication and community support. 

“Sport has completely impacted my life, giving me support, structure, and goals for a passion I can be successful at,” Jesse says. “I like sharing my story with others so they can also feel empowered to try new things.” 

The High Cost of Competing—and Why CAF Matters 

Behind every elite adaptive athlete is a network of support—and often, a financial burden. The cost to compete at the Paralympic level includes more than travel and lodging. Specialized adaptive sports equipment can cost thousands of dollars and is not covered by insurance. 

• A sit ski for Para Nordic athletes can range from $3,000 to $10,000. 

• Custom prosthetics for runners often exceed $15,000. 

• Travel to qualifying events or international competitions adds another layer of expense. 

CAF helps eliminate these barriers. In fact, over 55% of Team USA Paralympians have received support from CAF at some point in their athletic journey. Whether it’s funding a sit ski or covering travel to a national event, CAF believes sport is a right—not a luxury. 

Learn More About CAF Idaho 

CAF Idaho is growing. With new programs in winter sports and more opportunities to get involved locally, there’s never been a better time to be part of the movement. 

• Want to get involved or stay in the loop? Sign up for our newsletter 

• Join the CAF-Idaho Facebook group 

• Follow CAF on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 

CAF Idaho is proving that with the right equipment, coaching, and community, anything is possible. As athletes like Dani, Josh, and Jesse demonstrate, Idaho is not just producing Paralympians—it’s empowering the next generation of leaders.