On September 13, 2025, the historic Olympic Club in San Francisco opened its doors for the CAF-NorCal Adaptive Swim Clinic, welcoming athletes of all ages and abilities. From a three-year-old experiencing the pool for the first time to a 72-year-old rediscovering the joy of swimming, 22 athletes dove into the water with the support of expert coaches, dedicated volunteers, and the Challenged Athletes Foundation community.

A Partnership That Makes Waves

This opportunity came to life through CAF’s partnership with The Olympic Club. Special thanks go to Alan Shanken, a CAF Board Member and Olympic Club member, whose leadership and advocacy helped make this clinic possible. His commitment ensured athletes had access to one of the most iconic swimming facilities in the country.

World-Class Coaching and Mentorship

Athletes benefitted from guidance by an exceptional coaching team:

• Julia Harbaugh, Co-Founder & Guide, SF Chapter of Achilles International
• Daniel Wall, All-American swimmer, two-time ACC Champion, and graduate of the University of Virginia

Their expertise set the tone for a clinic focused on skill-building, confidence, and fun.

Adding to the experience were volunteers from the Olympic Club’s masters swim team, many of whom were former collegiate athletes. Among them were standout mentors including Eduardo Solaeche, an Olympian swimmer, and Sydney Barta, a Paralympian track and field athlete who competed as a high-level swimmer earlier in her career. Their presence brought a unique mix of encouragement and inspiration to the pool deck.

Honoring Our Volunteers

The day’s success was made possible by the time and enthusiasm of Olympic Club members and CAF supporters who jumped in—literally—to guide athletes in the water.

Volunteer Team:
Jonathan Affeld
Kyle Millis
Crystal Murphy
Karl Arvidsson
Rob Newell
Eduardo Solaeche
Matti Harrison
Benjamin Cono

Building Skills and Confidence

From first strokes to fine-tuned drills, the clinic offered something for everyone. Coaches worked individually with athletes to improve breathing, balance, and stroke technique, while others practiced pacing and endurance. The pool environment buzzed with encouragement as participants celebrated each milestone—whether it was swimming unassisted for the first time or pushing through an extra lap.

More Than a Clinic

The clinic wasn’t just about swimming—it was about belonging. Families, coaches, and volunteers came together to cheer, celebrate, and connect, creating a strong sense of community around the water. By the end of the day, every athlete left with new skills, new friends, and the confidence to continue their journey in sport.

Get Involved

The CAF-NorCal Adaptive Swim Clinic shows how partnerships and community support open doors for athletes of all abilities. With your involvement—whether through volunteering, attending a clinic, or supporting programs—you can help create more opportunities like this. Together, we can ensure that athletes of every age have the chance to dive into sport.