Returning live this October, the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) is set to host the CAF Community Weekend featuring the 28th Annual San Diego Triathlon Challenge from October 22-October 24, 2021.

Reportedly for the first time in the event’s history, Sunday’s events will take place at Mission Bay in San Diego, the birthplace of triathlon. The weekend includes a full line-up of fundraising and community-building events including the ceremonial finish of the Million Dollar Challenge 7-day coastal cycling event, the Celebration of Abilities Awards dinner, adaptive sports clinics, the EOS Fitness Tour de Cove stationary cyclethon, Yoga by the Sea, a 5K walk and the must-see Kids Run.

Funds raised directly support CAF’s mission to provide opportunities and support to people with physical challenges so they can pursue sports, fitness and competitive athletics, a media release from CAF notes.

Sunday’s events introduce participants to a unique challenge-style triathlon offering a 1-mile calm bay swim, a 41-mile scenic bike ride and 10-mile run course along the California coastline. Participants can register for the entire triathlon, enter as a relay team, or choose one segment to conquer. The iconic course weaves through San Diego landmarks including Cabrillo Monument and Mt. Soledad, offering spectacular views of Pacific Beach, Mission Beach and the San Diego skyline.

The annual event showcases the inspirational athletic spirit of over 200 challenged athletes competing side-by-side with 600-plus athletes without physical challenges. From injured veterans to children born with physical challenges, each year the CAF Community Weekend welcomes athletes of all ages and abilities for an uplifting experience that celebrates what is possible for challenged athletes, per the release.

“After such an unprecedented year, we can’t wait to reunite the CAF community and re-ignite the heart and spirit of athletes of all abilities. The move to Mission Bay will help provide an unparalleled sports experience for all, expanded accessibility for our challenged athletes and a chance to host all events of the weekend within close proximity of each other.”

— Virginia Tinley, CAF Chief Executive Director

Dubbed as the “best day in triathlon,” the weekend falls just weeks after the 2021 Paralympic Games, so guests can expect a star-studded attendance from Paralympians returning from Tokyo including Rudy Garcia-Tolson, Amy Dixon, Erik Hightower, Kym Crosby-Hightower, and Justin Phongsavanh, to name a few. Celebrities, legends, professional athletes and adaptive athletes from all over the country will raise funds to help individuals with physical challenges get the support needed to succeed in sports and in life.

Schedule of Events

Friday, October 22

CAF will also host the Junior Seau Foundation Adaptive Surf Program Kids Clinic where kids of all ages and abilities learn adaptive surfing skills from specialized coaches. XTERRA Wetsuits Ocean Water Swim Clinic will be available for athletes looking to hone their open water skills. In the afternoon, CAF will welcome home 160 cyclists from the Million Dollar Challenge who will have completed a 7-day ride from San Francisco to San Diego to raise over a million dollars in support of CAF’s mission.

In the evening, guests and virtual viewers around the world will have the opportunity to experience the 2021 Celebration of Abilities Awards Dinner Program. Held for the very first time at Sea World, the celebration will recognize partners and challenged athletes from around the country for trailblazing and inspirational achievements in the prior year. Hosted by CAF co-founder, Ironman Hall of Famer and USA Triathlon Hall of Famer, Bob Babbitt, this program will honor athletes with physical challenges and supporters who have demonstrated extraordinary amounts of strength, resilience, and commitment.

Saturday, October 23

CAF will host a series of adaptive sports clinics that provide expert coaching and mentoring for over 200 challenged athletes from across the nation. The sports clinics include Össur Running and Mobility, Wheelchair Tennis and Adaptive Swimming.

Sunday, October 24: San Diego Triathlon Challenge & EōS Fitness Tour de Cove

The morning starts with the Parade of Athletes, where challenged athletes, legends, and celebrities walk in preparation for the challenge-distance triathlon. Then, over 200 athletes with physical challenges and 600 athletes without physical challenges will participate in the San Diego Triathlon Challenge with the option to compete as an individual or as part of a three-person swim/bike/run relay team. Over 200 participants will also take part in the high-energy, EOS Fitness Tour de Cove stationary cycling marathon, consisting of 4.5 hours of riding individually, or on 3-person relay teams. Over 5,000 spectators and volunteers will be in attendance, not counting those watching from around the world on Live Stream.

October 1-24: Virtual Community Challenge

Open to everyone, the 2021 CAF Community Challenge begins virtually on October 1. Participants will enjoy fitness challenges, contests and earn fundraising incentives between Oct 1-Oct 24 and can take part anytime and anywhere by running, walking, rolling, swimming, cycling, fitness classes and much more. Additionally, athletes can join CAF sponsored activities and are encouraged to share progress and photos with the community through #CAFCommunityChallenge.

[Source(s): Challenged Athletes Foundation, GlobeNewswire]


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