The bright yellow shirts worn by Team Zach serve as more than just race-day attire. In a crowd of thousands at the CAF Community Weekend and San Diego Triathlon Challenge, the shirts help teammates find each other — but more importantly, they symbolize hope, togetherness, and unwavering support for Zach Harrell, a young athlete whose story has inspired a community to rally around him year after year.

Zach, now a vibrant 7-year-old, had both legs amputated shortly before his second birthday. Thanks to a pair of Össur Flex-run Junior running feet provided through a CAF grant, Zach discovered a love for movement. Whether chasing a soccer ball across the field or keeping up with his friends, sport has become his way of staying connected, active, and confident.

But Zach hasn’t taken this journey alone. His family and friends have built something larger than a support system — they’ve created Team Zach, a fundraising force that has become an integral part of the CAF community.

Teamwork When It Matters Most

The yellow-shirt tradition started during the second year that Team Zach attended the CAF Community Weekend. What began as a small group of supporters quickly grew into a sea of gold, with every shirt a reminder that Zach’s journey is shared by many. Six years later, that tradition is stronger than ever.

Every year, Zach’s parents — Lauren and her husband — make what they call “the big ask” to their network of friends, family, and colleagues. Their request is simple: help CAF continue making sports accessible to athletes with physical disabilities. And every year, their community answers that call with generosity.

“CAF became our ‘bucket filler’ every year since the first year we came down when Zach was not even two years old and had just had his amputation,” shared Zach’s mom, Lauren Hettema.

With the power of Zach’s story — and a clear vision of how CAF grants can change lives — Team Zach has built a culture of giving that grows stronger with time. Their most recent fundraiser raised more than $10,000, proof of how personal stories can mobilize communities to create real impact.

The Role of Community in Fundraising

What makes Team Zach unique isn’t only the money raised — it’s the way people come together to be part of something bigger than themselves. Zach’s story may be the spark, but it is the collective energy of his community that fuels change.

Friends host events, family members spread the word, and supporters proudly wear their yellow shirts to show they are part of the journey. Together, they’ve created an environment where giving feels like being part of a team — one where every contribution counts, no matter the size.

This mirrors the broader mission of CAF: to build community through sport. When one child receives a running prosthesis, or one athlete is given the opportunity to travel to a competition, the ripple effect extends far beyond that moment. Classmates see what’s possible, neighbors become advocates, and donors experience firsthand the joy of making a difference.

Team Zach’s success shows that fundraising isn’t only about dollars — it’s about connection, visibility, and demonstrating that sport truly has the power to unite people across all walks of life.

Beyond Fundraising: Living the CAF Mission

For Zach, every grant and every opportunity is about more than equipment. It’s about being included in the simple joys of childhood: playing soccer, running with friends, and participating fully in school activities. For his family, it’s about seeing him thrive and showing others that physical disability does not define what’s possible.

The Harrells know that their fundraising helps extend those same opportunities to other athletes across the country. Every dollar raised for CAF goes back into programs that provide grants for equipment, training, travel, and competition expenses. Since its founding, CAF has funded more than 52,000 grants, empowering athletes in all 50 states and more than 70 countries.

By participating in Team Zach, friends and family aren’t just supporting Zach — they are helping thousands of athletes access the tools they need to pursue active lives.

Join Us at the CAF Community Weekend

Each October, the CAF Community Weekend and San Diego Triathlon Challenge bring together athletes, families, and supporters for a celebration of resilience, inclusion, and the joy of sport. It’s here that Team Zach and hundreds of other teams come together to raise funds, share stories, and witness the power of community in action.

If you’ve ever considered starting a team, Team Zach’s story is proof that small beginnings can lead to big impact. Whether you gather friends, colleagues, or classmates, your group can become part of a movement that changes lives every year.

Schools, businesses, and families across the country are joining CAF to fundraise, volunteer, and experience the difference that inclusion through sport can make.

Want to Learn How You Can Get Involved?

You don’t need to wear a yellow shirt to make a difference — but you do need a willingness to take action. Just like Team Zach, you can rally your own community to support athletes with physical disabilities. Start a fundraising team, volunteer at an event, or invite a CAF athlete to share their story with your school or organization.

Together, we can build a world where every athlete has access to the equipment, training, and community they need to thrive.

Learn more about how you can join the CAF Community Weekend and be part of the movement to empower lives through sport.