In 2023, CAF celebrated its largest annual grant distribution to date—3,996 individual grants totaling over $7 million. These grants opened doors for people with physical disabilities to access adaptive sports equipment, training, and competition opportunities that are often out of reach due to cost. 

Since 1994, CAF’s global Grant Program has removed financial barriers for athletes at every level. Grants cover items and services rarely funded by insurance, such as running prosthetics, sport-specific wheelchairs, travel to competitions, and coaching. This year’s recipients range from 2 to 88 years old, representing all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and 39 countries. Collectively, they participate in 101 adaptive sports and activities—from wheelchair basketball and para-surfing to sled hockey, Nordic skiing, and outdoor recreation. 

“We believe sport has the power to change lives,” said Kristine Entwistle, CAF Chief Executive Director. “By providing support for equipment, travel, and competition expenses, we’re helping people across 101 sports break down barriers and build community worldwide.” 

Operation Rebound: Supporting Service Members and First Responders 

Through Operation Rebound, CAF funded 434 grants worth $657,000 for injured military personnel, veterans, and first responders. Half of these were first-time recipients, and 46 were Purple Heart honorees. The program provides not only equipment but also a community to help participants heal through sport. 

Partner Collaborations and Special Moments 

CAF worked with professional sports teams and elite athletes to deliver surprise grant presentations, creating unforgettable moments with the Dallas Cowboys, Golden State Warriors’ Klay Thompson, New Orleans Pelicans’ Drew Brees (via Smoothie King), Philadelphia 76ers, San Diego Padres, San Diego Loyal, and Team USA Nordic skiing medalists Kendall Gretsch and Aaron Pike. 

Global partners amplified impact: 

• Össur supplied 108 sports prosthetics. 

• Nike provided 1,600 pairs of FlyEase shoes and funded equipment grants for female athletes nationwide. 

• EōS Fitness offered 61 complimentary memberships. 

• Toyota awarded 18 grants at major events. 

Reaching the World Stage 

CAF supported emerging and elite athletes on the path to international competition, including: 

• 50 athletes at the 2022 ISA Para Surf World Championships in Pismo Beach. 

• 10 Para-Nordic athletes who medaled at the 2023 Para Nordic World Cup. 

• Two youth athletes in the PlayLA Youth Adaptive Sports Program aiming for the LA28 Paralympic Games. 

2023 Grant Impact by the Numbers 

• 101 sports represented 

• 50 states + Puerto Rico + 39 countries 

• Youngest recipient: 2 years old 

• Oldest recipient: 88 years old 

• 28% under age 18 

• 36% first-time recipients 

• 35% female / 64% male 

Household income: 

• 33% under $20,000/year 

• 26% between $20,000–$50,000/year 

Primary disability types: 

• 20% limb loss or limb difference 

• 12% spina bifida 

• 10% cerebral palsy 

• 8% spinal cord injury 

• 7% paraplegia 

• 4% visual impairment 

Collective Effort, Global Impact 

These achievements were made possible by donors, partners, and equipment providers such as GRIT Freedom Chairs, Per4Max, Top End, Eagle Sportschairs, Canyon, Melrose Wheelchairs, RGK, and more. Certified prosthetists across the U.S. also donated their expertise to ensure athletes received properly fitted prosthetics. 

Every grant represents a new chapter—whether it’s a child trying a sport for the first time or an elite competitor training for the world stage. You can be part of that journey. Connect with the adaptive sports community, share athlete stories, and help expand opportunities for people with physical disabilities to live active, engaged lives through sport.