Something wonderful has happened between the time I was standing on the edge of a ferry floating a few hundred feet from Alcatraz Island off the shore of San Francisco to last weekend when I was standing on the beach of Lake Anna Virginia. The Challenged Athlete Foundation (CAF) has increased its brand recognition amongst many East Coast triathletes.
I have been fund raising for CAF since early 2012 after stumbling upon the organization through a couple of Google searches. Personally, this organization has changed my life. It represents a pure blend of my interest in sport/fitness and my compassion to help others who choose to not let their disabilities hold them back – including my brother Paul who lives at Innisfree Village in Crozet, Virginia.
It is the mission of the Challenged Athletes Foundation to provide opportunities and support to people with physical disabilities so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. CAF believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life.
Check out this recent story from Channel 11 news in Atlanta or last year’s Super Bowl commercial.
For the first time since competing in the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon I received a noticeable number of positive comments about CAF (the kit that I wear) from other athletes I was competing with during a race. Ok, well not really competing as I am a back-of-the-packer, but CAF should be proud of the exposure I provide. On Saturday, I exited the water 11th in my age group (second wave) and then finished the bike 331 overall. Yes, I am a swimmer. My back of the envelope math is that almost 200 athletes passed me that day. That is good exposure for CAF at least.
Kinetic Half is a small race so I would image this one data point is an understatement of the brand recognition CAF now has on the East Coast. Good for you CAF, I am a very proud supporter. The miracles you deliver every day are humbling and truly make me appreciate everything I have in my life.
Thank you!!!!
