Idaho has long been celebrated for its rugged landscapes, rich history, and adventurous spirit—but in recent years, it’s been making headlines for a different reason: its extraordinary community of adaptive athletes. From world-renowned Paralympic champions to rising young competitors training for future Games, Idaho has become a national leader in advancing opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities. 

Thanks to the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), this transformation is accelerating. CAF-Idaho is providing critical funding, elite coaching, and access to specialized adaptive sports equipment—empowering athletes to push boundaries, inspire others, and prove that no dream is out of reach. 

Home to multi-medal Paralympic legends like Muffy Davis and Willie Stewart, the state continues to produce top-tier talent while inspiring the next generation of adaptive athletes. 

Idaho Paralympians Making History 

Since 2021, CAF-Idaho athletes have represented Team USA on both Summer and Winter Paralympic stages, bringing home medals and breaking barriers. 

Dani Aravich 

Born without her left hand and forearm, Dani Aravich defied limits early on, competing as a Division I cross-country and track athlete. After transitioning into adaptive sports, Dani quickly emerged as a world-class competitor. She represented the U.S. in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games in track and field’s 400M sprint and went on to compete in Nordic skiing at the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympics—a rare dual-season achievement. Today, Dani continues to inspire young athletes by coaching and mentoring the next wave of limb-different competitors. 

Will Groulx 

A former U.S. Navy serviceman, Will Groulx’s life changed after a motorcycle accident left him paralyzed. Discovering wheelchair rugby ignited his Paralympic journey, leading him to three Paralympic Games before switching to handcycling. At the Rio 2016 Games, Will secured one gold and two silver medals. Competing as a member of Team Bridgestone on the U.S. Paralympics Cycling Team, Will remains a driving force in para-cycling and a mentor to Idaho’s growing adaptive sports community. 

Kory Puderbaugh 

Born with congenital limb differences in all four limbs, Kory Puderbaugh’s resilience and dedication propelled him from an orphanage in Poland to the U.S. Paralympic stage. After making a name for himself as a high school wrestler in Eagle, Idaho, Kory transitioned to wheelchair rugby, earning a silver medal in Rio 2016 and continuing to chase gold with Team USA. 

“Without sport, I wouldn’t have the same mental clarity, focus, and hunger to succeed,” Kory says. “I’m so grateful for all the support CAF and its donors have given to thousands of us.” 

The True Cost of Competing 

For Paralympians, reaching the Games requires more than talent and training—it demands significant financial support. Over 50% of Team USA athletes have received assistance from the Challenged Athletes Foundation at some point in their journey. 

• Wheelchair rugby chairs: Often exceed $6,500 each 

• Paracycles: Range from $5,000 to over $10,000 

• Adaptive skiing and track gear: Thousands more in specialized equipment 

Because medical insurance rarely covers adaptive sports gear—classifying it as a “luxury”—CAF steps in to ensure athletes aren’t sidelined by cost. Through grants, CAF provides the equipment and resources necessary for athletes to compete at every level. 

Building Idaho’s Paralympic Future 

The impact of CAF-Idaho extends far beyond today’s medalists. Through its grant programs, camps, clinics, and community events, CAF is developing the next generation of Paralympic hopefuls. 

Rising athletes like Annie Carey (track and field) and Brooklyn Gossard (para-cycling) are already demonstrating world-class potential. At the U.S. Paralympics Cycling National Championships in Boise, Brooklyn raced alongside Paralympic champions Muffy Davis and Will Groulx, proving that Idaho’s adaptive sports pipeline is strong and growing. 

“There’s always somebody looking at you and you never know—it might be that next kid thinking ‘I can do that!’” – Will Groulx 

With CAF’s ongoing support, Idaho is poised to remain a leader in producing Paralympic talent for years to come. 

Join the Movement 

Every medal, every race, every breakthrough starts with support from a community that believes in the power of sport to change lives. 

 You can help athletes nationwide—just like those in Idaho—reach their Paralympic dreams. Donate to the Challenged Athletes Foundation to fuel adaptive sports programs nationwide, providing grants, clinics, and opportunities for athletes of all abilities. 

Together, we can ensure that every athlete—no matter their challenge—has the chance to compete, excel, and inspire. 

• Join the CAF-Idaho Facebook group