Challenged Athletes Foundation: Unlocking Potential
Community uniting to further their cause.
The Power of What's Possible:
Every now and then, you come across an organisation that just stops you in your tracks. For me, one of those is the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). Honestly, I’m so impressed by what they do. They are a shining example of what is possible when a community gets together to create real, life-changing impact.
Seeing their work can only inspire someone like myself, especially as I begin my work with a project like RideAbleNow. It’s easy to wonder if a new venture can truly make a difference, but organisations like CAF prove that it absolutely can. They show that meaningful, life-changing impact isn't just a hopeful dream; it's an achievable reality. So, I was desperate to feature CAF in this series, to show you what inspires me and what I believe must be the gold standard in the Adaptive World. Let’s take a look at who they are.
Who Are the Challenged Athletes Foundation?
Based in San Diego, California, the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) is a powerhouse in the world of adaptive sports. Their origin story is one of pure community spirit. It began in 1994 with a single athlete: Jim MacLaren, an inspirational figure who, after losing a leg in a motorcycle accident, became a formidable amputee triathlete. When a second devastating accident left him paralysed, his friends and the triathlon community rallied to support him.
From that single act of support, a global movement was born. To date, CAF has raised over $178 million, helping to fuel significant growth in adaptive sports and proving that the power of community can create limitless possibilities.
What They Offer: Your Path to Riding
CAF’s impact comes from its direct, practical, and life-changing support. Since its inception, CAF has funded over 48,000 individual grants to athletes from all 50 U.S. states and around 70 countries, across 105 different sports.
The Grant Program: This is the heart of what CAF does. Their annual grant programme provides funding for adaptive sports equipment (like handcycles and adaptive MTBs), as well as resources for training and competition travel. For the 2026 grant cycle, the application window runs from October 1st, 2025, through to November 14th, 2025 - awards announced in March 2026 . You can learn more on their grant funding page.
Camps and Clinics: CAF isn't just about providing gear; they help you learn how to use it. They host and support a wide range of clinics and camps, from adaptive surfing in California to para-triathlon development camps. These events provide expert coaching and an incredible sense of community.
Community and Mentorship: Perhaps one of the most powerful things CAF fosters is connection. Through their events and online communities, they connect new athletes with experienced mentors, creating a network of support that goes far beyond the field of play.
Global Reach with a Note: While the flagship Annual Grant Program is open to applicants worldwide, it's worth noting that many specific clinics and partner programs are U.S.-centric.
Who Is This For?
CAF's support is incredibly broad, but it's also specific. To be eligible for a grant, you must have a permanent physical disability that impairs mobility, your neuromuscular system, or balance and motor control.
This is for you if:
You have a condition like a spinal cord injury, amputation, cerebral palsy, or a visual impairment that affects your mobility.
You are an experienced adaptive athlete aiming to compete at a higher level but need financial support.
You dream of owning your own piece of adaptive sports equipment to regain independence and freedom.
You are looking for a community that understands your journey and will cheer you on.
It's important to note that conditions which don't directly affect physical mobility (such as hearing impairments or some cognitive disabilities) may not meet the grant criteria. It's always best to check the detailed FAQ on their website to confirm your eligibility.
Our Take: Why We at RideAbleNow Love Them
What I personally find so incredible about CAF is their sheer scale and unwavering focus on direct impact. They have fundamentally changed the landscape of adaptive sport by tackling the biggest hurdle for most people: the cost. They level the playing field. Seeing the CAF logo is a mark of quality and a sign that you're dealing with an organisation that truly puts the athlete first. They don’t just talk about empowerment; they deliver it, one grant, one bike, and one life-changing opportunity at a time.
Your Next Step
The journey back to activity is a personal one, but you don't have to do it alone. Organisations like CAF exist to help you take that first, crucial step with confidence.
We highly recommend you explore everything the Challenged Athletes Foundation has to offer. Your next adventure could be about to begin, thanks to the incredible organisation.
Organisations like this are exactly why we created RideAbleNow – to connect you with the best resources in the adaptive cycling world. For more features like this, and to become part of our growing community,
