Challenged Athletes Foundation Launches 2010 Cycling, Triathlon Events

The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), a world leader in helping challenged athletes get involved—and stay involved—in sports announces the launch of two of their premier fundraising events: CAF Million Dollar Challenge, Presented by Qualcomm—a seven-day, 620-mile fully supported cycling adventure down the California Coastline from October 16 to 22, 2010, and the 17th Anniversary Aspen Medical Products San Diego Triathlon Challenge—a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run distance triathlon and festival in La Jolla, California, on Sunday, October 24, 2010.

Both events raise more than $1 million each for CAF and help physically challenged individuals get off the side-lines and into the game.

CAF Million Dollar Challenge, Presented by Qualcomm

Celebrity Guest Participants:

  • Former UCLA and pro basketball star Bill Walton
  • Top pro riders from Garmin-Transitions professional cycling team

October 16-22, 2010
Register: www.mdc2010.kintera.org
Learn more: www.cyclemdc.com

For the fifth consecutive year, the Challenged Athletes Foundation's Million Dollar Challenge (MDC), Presented by Qualcomm, will take-on the rugged California Coastline during a seven-day, 620-mile unforgettable charity ride, which has earned a reputation as one of the premier cycling events in the country.

The ride combines a challenging personal journey for participants with the satisfaction of making a difference in the lives of others. MDC combines world-class service from a team of ride-support professionals with premier accommodations, fabulous meals and amenities.

This year will be filled with stand-out special guests. including top pros from the Garmin-Transitions pro cycling team and former UCLA and pro basketball star Bill Walton, who after 36 surgeries himself, understands the importance of good health and the role of fitness and sport in enhancing people's lives. He shares the following sentiments when asked about the value of CAF's mission: "I support the cause because it's about dreams and sports for everybody."

When Bill says "everybody," he means everybody—size, ability or physical disability shouldn't impede an individual's opportunity to be active. This includes his new friend and current UCLA student Scout Bassett. The two athletes—Bill towering at 6'11" and Scout standing tall at 4'8"—share the same love for the UCLA Bruins, both have custom-made bikes from Holland (due to their size), share a passion for cycling and will lead out one day of the ride. Together they are proof that athletes come in all shapes and sizes.


Scout Bassett and Bill Walton

Aspen Medical Products San Diego Triathlon Challenge

October 24, 2010
Register here: www.sdtc10.kintera.org
Learn more: www.challengedathletes.org/compete/SDTC_Intro.htm

CAF's Aspen Medical Products San Diego Triathlon Challenge, a half-distance triathlon and festival, began almost two decades ago as a fundraiser to help a fellow injured triathlete and has grown into a celebration of life and sport that is making a difference in the lives of physically-challenged athletes around the world.

It is an event unlike any other in the world. Inspiration, perspiration and determination are the words of the day, as more than 125 of the world's top physically-challenged athletes take on this grueling yet rewarding course alongside 550 able-bodied triathletes, celebrities and pros.

"The CAF event in San Diego is the greatest day in our sport" said 2009 SDTC participant, professional triathlete and 2007 Ford Ironman World Champion, Chris McCormack. "What I experienced in San Diego with CAF was the most inspiring day of my life. To be a part of what this amazing Foundation does and how they change lives for people was so motivating; it gave me a purpose. I was inspired, and wanted to do more."

Don't miss your chance to participate, sponsor, donate to an athlete or volunteer for one of these life-changing events.