Smoothie King and the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) share a common passion: empowering individuals to live healthy, active lives and breaking down barriers that limit access to sports. Since joining forces in 2018, this partnership has been a catalyst for change — fueling athletes with physical disabilities through nutrition, adaptive sports equipment grants, clinics, and unforgettable community events. Together, they are reshaping what is possible for thousands of people across the country. 

A Partnership Built on Shared Values 

Smoothie King’s dedication to promoting wellness goes beyond their menu. Featuring smoothies made with whole, non-GMO fruits and organic vegetables, their products are designed to nourish bodies and support fitness journeys. CAF complements this by offering life-changing grants for adaptive equipment, such as running prosthetics and custom sports wheelchairs, and by hosting clinics that provide coaching and skill-building for athletes of all ages and abilities. 

This partnership represents more than sponsorship. It is a shared commitment to inclusion, health, and empowerment. Through programs and events, Smoothie King and CAF inspire individuals to push past physical challenges and realize their full potential, whether that means competing in Paralympic games or simply moving with greater confidence and joy. 

Highlighting Athlete Success: The 2020 Skills Challenge 

In February 2020, the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans became the stage for a powerful collaboration between CAF, Smoothie King, and the New Orleans Pelicans. The event brought together four Team USA Paralympic Wheelchair Basketball players and four Pelicans stars for an engaging skills challenge that tested shooting accuracy, dribbling agility, and basketball knowledge. 

The Team USA athletes Steve Serio, Nate Hinze, Abby Dunkin, and Megan Blunk showed incredible determination alongside Pelicans players Jaxson Hayes, Nico Melli, Jahlil Okafor, and Zion Williamson. The excitement in the arena was electric, and local community members, including athletes with disabilities, cheered them on. The challenge wasn’t just a game — it was a celebration of talent, teamwork, and the breaking down of barriers through sport. 

Changing Lives with Adaptive Equipment Grants 

The next night during the Pelicans game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, a remarkable moment unfolded. Ke’Vaughn LaVigne, a high school senior born with a rare condition called Congenital Vertical Talus, was presented with a custom Per4Max basketball wheelchair. This grant, made possible by the combined support of Smoothie King and CAF, gave Ke’Vaughn the equipment he needed to compete at his highest level. 

Before receiving the grant, Ke’Vaughn faced significant challenges in finding suitable adaptive sports equipment that matched his unique needs. Now, with his new basketball wheelchair, he can pursue his passion for the sport more fully, participate in local leagues, and connect more deeply with his community. 

Building Community Through Youth and Adaptive Sports Programs 

The impact of this partnership extends well beyond individual grants. In 2022, Smoothie King and CAF hosted the inaugural Rule The Day Youth Camp — a transformational experience that empowered young athletes with and without physical disabilities. The camp was filled with workshops, skill-building sessions, and motivational talks designed to nurture confidence and athletic potential. 

One inspiring moment was when Dallas Cowboys legend Chad Hennings surprised 14-year-old Lilly Biagini with two running prosthetics. Lilly was born with a rare disorder that led to amputation of both legs at age six. With her new equipment, she has been able to continue participating in the sports she loves — including wake surfing, horseback riding, snowboarding, and running — fueling her ambition and independence. 

Beyond the Field: Influential Support and Advocacy 

Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has also been a long-time supporter of CAF, bringing his high-profile platform to raise awareness about adaptive sports. Brees spent time learning from top athletes like wheelchair basketball gold medalist Steve Serio, sitting volleyball champion Bethany Zummo, and Paralympic wrestling hopeful Zion Clark, who was born without legs. 

Through these interactions, Brees has become a vocal advocate for inclusion and has helped shine a spotlight on the achievements and potential of athletes with physical disabilities. His involvement underscores the powerful role of community and visibility in changing perceptions and encouraging participation. 

The CAF Community Challenge: Staying Connected Through Movement 

The partnership also plays a crucial role in the CAF Community Challenge, an annual event that invites athletes and supporters around the world to collectively run, cycle, swim, roll, and walk millions of miles. The virtual challenge encourages physical activity, social connection, and fundraising to support adaptive sports programs. 

In times when traditional events face obstacles, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Community Challenge offered a vital lifeline to keep the spirit of adaptive sports alive and thriving. Thanks to partners like Smoothie King, this global community can continue to grow stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient. 

The Power of Nutrition and Support in Athletic Success 

At the core of this partnership is the belief that nutrition and opportunity go hand in hand. Smoothie King’s carefully crafted smoothies provide athletes and everyday people alike with the fuel they need to train hard and stay healthy. Meanwhile, CAF’s grants and programs provide the essential equipment and coaching that make adaptive sports accessible. 

As Smoothie King CEO Wan Kim explains, “Our commitment to supporting the communities we serve is evident at every touchpoint of our brand, but none more so than our partnership with the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Both of our brands believe strongly that active lifestyles can boost self-esteem and serve as a springboard for success in life.” 

Kim himself leads by example, maintaining his own fitness routine supported by Smoothie King’s nutritious blends. This personal dedication reinforces the authenticity and depth of the partnership’s mission. 

Looking Forward: Expanding Access and Inspiring Change 

Together, Smoothie King and CAF continue to explore new ways to impact lives through innovative programs, events, and outreach. Their shared vision is a world where physical disabilities are no longer obstacles but challenges met with the right tools, training, and encouragement. 

This ongoing partnership is proof that when businesses and nonprofits align their values, they can create lasting, meaningful change. Through fuel, grants, coaching, and community, Smoothie King and CAF empower athletes to break limits and redefine what it means to be active. 

Get Involved: Help Fuel More Journeys 

Your support makes a difference. Whether it’s donating, volunteering, or participating in events like the CAF Community Challenge, you can help athletes access the equipment, coaching, and community they need to reach their goals. Visit our Get Involved page to learn how to be part of this inspiring movement.