“We are excited about this opportunity for Denise and our team of competing challenged athletes”

“We are excited about this opportunity for Denise and our team of competing challenged athletes,” said Virginia Tinley, Executive Director of the Challenged Athletes Foundation. “A major part of CAF’s mission is to change perceptions of what challenged athletes can do. Through our continued partnership with the Nautica Malibu Triathlon, we are thrilled to play a critical role in getting these athletes to the starting line so the world can marvel at their athleticism and skill.”

The Challenged Athletes Foundation team will consist of nationally ranked challenged athletes like Danielle McLaughlin, the 2011 ITU Paratriathlon World Championship gold medalist; Sarah Reinertsen, the first female leg amputee to finish the Ironman World Championship; and Scout Bassett, bronze medalist at the 2011 ITU Paratriathlon World Championships. CAF’s challenged athletes will be joined by eight fundraisers who will race in support of the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Competing in “The Classic Distance Race,” Team CAF will hit Zuma beach with celebrities and pros to prove their skills on the half-mile swim, 18 mile bike and 4 mile run course.

Since 1994, the Challenged Athletes Foundation has raised in excess of $40 million and satisfied almost 7,000 funding requests from physically challenged athletes across the United States and around the world. CAF provides grants to athletes at all levels to fund the purchase of expensive adaptive equipment (such as running feet, racing chairs and handcycles) and to help pay for coaching and travel expenses. In 2012, CAF provided 1,106 such grants to athletes around the world, worth more than $1.7 million. CAF also offers free adaptive sports clinics and mentoring programs such as the CAF Dodge Paratriathlon Camp, a clinic that builds the skills and confidence that challenged athletes need to succeed in paratriathlon.

Challenged Athletes Foundation

The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) is a world leader in helping individuals with physical challenges get involved – and stay involved – in sports. CAF believes that participation in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. Since 1994, more than $40 million has been raised and almost 7,000 funding requests from challenged athletes in all 50 states and dozens of countries have been satisfied. Additionally, CAF’s outreach efforts reach another 60,000 individuals each year. Whether it’s a $2,500 grant for a handcycle, helping underwrite a carbon fiber running foot not covered by insurance, or arranging enthusiastic encouragement from a mentor who has triumphed over a similar challenge, CAF’s mission is clear: give those with the desire to live active, athletic lifestyles every opportunity to compete in the sports they love. To learn more, log on to www.challengedathletes.org or call 858-866-0959.