Athletes, supporters, fundraisers, volunteers, and more than 50 sponsors participated in the 24th annual Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) Aspen Medical Products San Diego Triathlon Challenge (SDTC) at La Jolla Cove, October 20-22. More than $1 million was raised over the weekend, making it one of the most successful events in the organization’s history. The funds raised during the event will provide more than 600 new grants for adaptive equipment, running prosthetics, coaching, mentoring, and competition expenses.
Some of the other highlights from the weekend include:
- Cyclists, 35 challenged bikers and 142 able-bodied bikers, rode 4.5 hours during a stationary cycling event; $75,789 was raised as part of the YMCA San Diego County Tour de Cove event.
- A total of 256 walkers participated in the Kaiser Permanente 5K Walk by Hanger Clinic; $8,270 was raised.
These young runners are all set to get going in the SDTC Kid’s Run.
Photograph courtesy of CAF.
- There were more than 5,000 spectators and volunteers, 238 challenged athletes, and 1,050 able-bodied athletes who watched, helped, and competed in the SDTC; they completed a one-mile swim, 44-mile bike ride and a ten-mile run to raise more than $1 million.
- A series of adaptive sports clinics were also held to provide coaching and mentoring for the 200 challenged athletes from across the nation, including Össur’s Leg Amputee Running and Mobility Clinic, which included 105 challenged athletes (30 first-time participants) as well as wheelchair tennis and swim clinics.
- And for the first time, the SDTC was livestreamed on October 22.
“This day brings out the best of competitive sports. We refer to it as the Best Day in Tri,” said Virginia Tinley, CAF’s executive director.