The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) proudly joined forces with Toyota, our Official Mobility Sponsor, for the Toyota Sports Festival, an inspiring celebration of adaptive sports and inclusion. Held during the 2022 LA Auto Show (November 18–27) and capped off with a free weekend of adaptive sports clinics at L.A. LIVE (November 26–27), the event gave thousands of attendees the chance to experience the transformative power of sport.

From interactive Para-cycling simulations to wheelchair basketball, seated throwing, sitting volleyball, and racing wheelchair clinics, the Toyota Sports Festival brought together people of all abilities, fostering community, breaking barriers, and showcasing the impact of CAF’s mission.

Hands-On Adaptive Sports Experiences for Everyone 

One of the most popular attractions of the weekend was the indoor Para-cycling experience hosted by CAF. Participants had the rare opportunity to try out handcycling, navigating a virtual course displayed on a large screen using the popular training platform Zwift.

Guided by Team CAF coaches, attendees learned about the mechanics of handcycling, how adaptive athletes train, and the challenges and triumphs they experience in competitive sports. Many participants shared that it was their first time trying adaptive sports, and they left with a newfound appreciation for the strength and determination of athletes with physical disabilities.

Alongside handcycling, the festival featured multiple adaptive sports clinics where attendees could:

• Practice shooting and passing in wheelchair basketball

• Learn the techniques of seated throwing, essential in para track and field

• Play sitting volleyball, a fast-paced Paralympic sport

• Test their speed and skill in racing wheelchair drills

These interactive clinics not only introduced new sports to the community but also helped bridge the gap between adaptive and non-adaptive athletes, fostering understanding, inclusion, and respect.

Four Life-Changing CAF Grants Awarded 

One of the most impactful moments of the Toyota Sports Festival was the presentation of four CAF grants, transforming the lives of individuals with physical disabilities by providing them with specialized equipment and training resources.

1. Össur Running Prosthetic for Cruz Melendez – A 17-year-old Trabuco Hills High School student injured in May 2022 received a state-of-the-art running prosthetic, handcrafted by Chad Marquis, CPO of Prosthetic & Orthotic Group – Coastal P&O. This new prosthetic will allow Cruz to return to running and rediscover his love for athletics.
2. Wheelchair Dancing Training Support for Marlene Moran – A vibrant 6-year-old from Anaheim received funding for wheelchair dancing lessons. This grant empowers Marlene to pursue her passion for dance and artistic expression without limitation. 
3. Track and Field Racing Wheelchair for Alexis Romero – A 28-year-old athlete from South Gate received a competitive racing wheelchair, enabling her to compete at a higher level in track and field events. 
4. Tennis Sport Wheelchair for Rajesh Garg – A 52-year-old adaptive athlete from North Hollywood was provided with a tennis sport wheelchair, giving him the tools to stay active and compete in his favorite sport. 

These grants reflect CAF’s mission to break down financial barriers to sport, ensuring that everyone—regardless of physical ability—can live a healthy, active lifestyle. 

Athlete Meet-and-Greets Inspire the Community 

The festival also featured exclusive meet-and-greet sessions with Team USA Paralympic athletes, where fans could interact, ask questions, and collect autographs from some of the world’s top adaptive athletes.

Among the featured stars were: 

• Liv Stone, Gold Medalist in Para Surfing 

• Bethany Zummo, Gold Medalist in Sitting Volleyball 

“The Toyota Sports Festival was an incredible event that showcased elite athletes of all abilities, and I was honored to be part of the movement! Signing autographs for the public was surreal—I always dreamed of moments like this as a kid.”
— Liv Stone, Para Surfing Champion 

These athlete interactions inspired countless attendees, particularly children with disabilities, who saw firsthand that their own athletic dreams are possible with the right support and opportunities. 

Toyota and CAF: A Shared Vision for Inclusive Mobility 

Toyota’s continued partnership with CAF as the Official Mobility Sponsor plays a pivotal role in making events like the Toyota Sports Festival possible. Together, we are breaking down barriers, showcasing that mobility is freedom, and empowering athletes to redefine what is possible in sports and life.

Through ongoing collaborations, CAF and Toyota aim to expand access to adaptive sports nationwide, ensuring that no physical disability limits a person’s ability to thrive.

Looking Ahead 

The Toyota Sports Festival 2022 marked another successful step in CAF’s journey to empower athletes, inspire communities, and celebrate human potential. With thousands of participants, multiple sports clinics, and four life-changing grants awarded, the event embodied the mission to create a more inclusive future in sports.

CAF looks forward to continuing this tradition of impact and inspiration at future Toyota Sports Festivals and adaptive sports events across the country.