Mission and History
It is the mission of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) to provide opportunities and support to people with physical disabilities so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. The Challenged Athletes Foundation believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence, and enhances quality of life.
Our Vision
Challenged Athletes Foundation vision is to be a recognized leader in a movement through which athletes with physical disabilities are accepted and respected at the same level as able-bodied athletes, to have a great and significant impact on each athlete with a physical disability served, and to reach out to the community of athletes with physical disabilities by providing inspiration, awareness and mentoring.
From One Came Many
In 1994, an effort to help one man launched a global change in the way athletes with physical challenges are perceived and perceive themselves. Jim MacLaren was an exceptional athlete, first as an amputee and then as a quadriplegic. After losing his leg in a motorcycle accident, Jim became a pioneer, achieving feats that others never thought possible for amputees. Jim may no longer be with us, but his legacy lives on through Team CAF.
29 Years of Change
Celebrating 30 years that helped change the world, CAF is proud to have played a pivotal role in not only changing the lives of tens of thousands of athletes with physical disabilities globally, but in evolving the world's perception and acceptance of those with physical disabilities.
