Alaska Airlines will help expand travel support for athletes with physical disabilities participating in CAF’s flagship fundraising event

The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) today announced Alaska Airlines as the Official Airline Sponsor of the 2026 San Diego Triathlon Challenge fueled by Toyota, helping expand travel support for athletes with physical disabilities traveling from across the country to participate in CAF’s signature community event.

Expanding Access Through Travel

The sponsorship reflects CAF and Alaska Airlines’ shared commitment to connection, access and opportunity. For many CAF athletes, travel is an essential part of participating in competitions, clinics and community events that build confidence, independence and belonging through sport.

Each year, athletes with physical disabilities travel to San Diego from across the country to take part in the San Diego Triathlon Challenge, a weekend of sport, community and celebration. With Alaska Airlines’ support, more athletes will have the opportunity to experience the event alongside CAF supporters, families, volunteers and community partners.

Removing Barriers for Adaptive Athletes

“At CAF, we know that access to sport often begins with access to opportunity, and travel can be one of the biggest barriers athletes face,” said Bob Babbitt, Co-Founder of Challenged Athletes Foundation.

“Alaska Airlines is helping us remove that barrier and bring athletes from around the country to experience the San Diego Triathlon Challenge, connect with this community and continue pursuing active lifestyles through sport.”

Building Community Beyond the Competition

Alaska Airlines has already demonstrated its commitment to CAF athletes through Miles for Makes, a community initiative with the San Diego Sharks that turned success on the court into direct support for CAF.

Throughout the Sharks’ 2026 season, Alaska Airlines pledged 10,000 ATMOS points for every three-point shot made by the team. Thanks to more than 100 made three-pointers and Alaska Airlines’ generosity, 1 million ATMOS points were donated to CAF to help offset athlete travel costs.

“At Alaska Airlines, we believe in connecting people to what matters most,” said J’Keren Sears, Program Manager at Alaska Airlines. “Through our sponsorship with CAF, we are proud to support athletes with physical disabilities as they travel to compete, participate and be part of an empowering community. Miles for Makes showed how sport can create meaningful impact far beyond the game.”

Helping More Athletes Reach the Starting Line

With a growing network of nonstop routes from San Diego, Alaska Airlines is uniquely positioned to help remove travel barriers and expand access to CAF’s signature events and programs.

By making travel more accessible, the partnership helps ensure more athletes can participate in adaptive sports experiences that foster independence, confidence and lifelong community.

Join Us at the 2026 San Diego Triathlon Challenge

The 2026 San Diego Triathlon Challenge Weekend takes place on October 25 at La Jolla Cove, bringing together athletes, supporters, volunteers and community members for a celebration of inclusion, achievement and the transformative power of sport.

Whether participating, volunteering or cheering from the sidelines, every person helps create opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities to pursue active lifestyles.

About Alaska Air Group

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, with McGee Air Services operating as a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines.

Together, the airlines connect travelers to more than 140 destinations across North America, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific while providing award-winning service and expanding access through the oneworld alliance and Atmos Rewards.