This past weekend, I had the incredible honor of riding as a Bike Safety Guide at the 2025 Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) San Diego Triathlon Challenge, one of the most inspiring events I've ever been part of.

I was paired with Australian Paralympic gold medalist Lauren Parker, an extraordinary athlete whose determination, speed, and positivity left a lasting impression. Sharing the course with her and witnessing her athletic spirit up close was truly unforgettable.

The bonus? My good friend Ross Clark was also part of our crew. Riding alongside him and so many inspiring athletes reminded me just how powerful community, friendship, and perseverance can be.

A Weekend of Celebration and Community

CAF wrapped up an incredible weekend of fundraising events, including:

• Million Dollar Challenge (MDC) fueled by Toyota, a seven-day California coastal ride raising $1.8 million

• San Diego Triathlon Challenge (SDTC) fueled by Toyota, which raised more than $1.6 million

• Tour de Cove presented by EōS Fitness, raising $125,000

Across these three events, CAF raised more than $3.5 million, with nearly 1,000 supporters empowering people with physical disabilities through sports and physical fitness.

Hundreds of participants in bright blue shirts gathered beneath the CAF 5K Walk, Run, Roll inflatable arch presented by Nike at La Jolla Cove, ready to start the family-friendly event.

“This weekend showed the heart of CAF,” said Bob Babbitt, CAF Co-Founder. “Athletes of all abilities demonstrated what's possible with the right support. The ‘Best Day in Tri' is powered by community—fundraisers, partners, sponsors, volunteers, families, and fans proving sport is for everyone.”

Empowering Athletes of All Abilities

Friday began with an Adaptive Surf Clinic and Open Water Swim, followed by the arrival of 125 cyclists completing the seven-day, 600-mile Million Dollar Challenge from Santa Rosa, raising $1.8 million. That evening, CAF hosted the Celebration of Abilities Awards, honoring athletes and partners for their leadership and impact.

Saturday featured adaptive sports clinics, including the Össur + CAF Running & Mobility Clinic, Wheelchair Pickleball, and Adaptive Pool Swim, serving 175 athletes from across the country. Highlights included San Diego cancer survivor and marathon runner Danielle McLaughlin receiving a new Össur prosthetic running leg, enabling her return to competition. Olympians and Paralympians like Hunter Woodhall, Tara Davis-Woodhall, Jessica Long, Derek Loccident, and Mohamed Lahna mentored participants, inspiring athletes of all ages and abilities.

Sunday brought the San Diego Triathlon Challenge to La Jolla Cove, a festival of inclusive activity where athletes, families, volunteers, and supporters came together. Events included the Tour de Cove stationary cyclethon, 5K Walk & Roll, and the Jami Marseilles Challenged Athlete Kids Run & Roll, giving young athletes the opportunity to compete, celebrate, and feel like pros.

Toyota's partnership was central, providing the Toyota Sports Festival with adaptive sports experiences such as wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball. Fans also had the chance to meet Team Toyota Paralympic athletes like Jessica Long, Ezra Frech, and Jerome Avery.

Why CAF Matters

CAF's mission is simple but powerful: to empower individuals with physical disabilities through sport and physical fitness. Participation at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence, and enhances quality of life, proving that we are all stronger through sport.

As a volunteer and guide, I saw firsthand the magic of giving athletes space, resources, community, and mentorship to reach their potential. From Olympians to kids experiencing their first race, the weekend demonstrated that with the right support, anything is possible.

Planning for the Future: Sport and Security Go Hand in Hand

While the weekend celebrated athletic achievement and community, it also reminded me of the importance of planning for the future, particularly for families of individuals with physical disabilities or special needs. Just as CAF empowers athletes to reach their full potential, thoughtful planning ensures their long-term well-being is protected.

Families can take proactive steps such as:

• Establishing special needs trusts to provide financial security without affecting government benefits.

• Updating wills and estate plans to ensure assets are distributed according to your wishes.

• Appointing fiduciaries or guardians to care for loved ones if you're unable.

Supporting CAF shows the impact of investing in potential, both on the field and in life. Likewise, planning ahead provides peace of mind and ensures that families of all abilities have the resources they need to thrive.

Looking Forward

I'm deeply grateful to CAF, to Lauren Parker for her inspiration, and to Ross Clark for sharing this experience with me. Being part of this weekend reminded me of the incredible power of community, sport, and perseverance.

I'm already looking forward to next year, and I hope you'll consider supporting CAF by volunteering, participating, or donating. Every mile ridden, every finish line crossed, and every smile shared makes a lasting impact.

If you plan to protect your loved ones, preserve government benefits, and create a secure future for your family, fill out the form below to schedule a FREE 15-minute consultation.