Description
Access for Athletes -- Challenged Athletes Foundation's (CAF) flagship program -- steps in where rehabilitation and health insurance end by providing funding grants for equipment such as sports wheelchairs, handcycles, mono skis and sports prosthetics, and resources for training and competition expenses directly to physically challenged individuals. Access for Athletes surmounts financial impediments to participation in sports, ensuring that challenged athletes are not left on the sidelines because they can’t afford expensive equipment or training costs. CAF believes participating in sports not only increases challenged athletes' physical fitness and activity levels, but also enhances their confidence and self-esteem.
Challenged Athletes Foundation's (CAF) Operation Rebound program is the premier sports and fitness program for American military personnel, veterans and first responders with permanent physical disabilities. It provides unparalleled opportunities to pursue active, athletic lifestyles by offering access to funding for equipment and training and competition expenses, Military Medical Center Physical Training (MMCPT) and sports clinics.
CAF also hosts a number of Catch A Rising Star sports and fitness clinics across the country each year. These clinics provides post-rehabilitation support and mentoring to individuals who have suffered a traumatic injury, have a physically impairing disease or were born with a congenital impairment resulting in a physical disability. Through fun, interactive, non-threatening clinics providing instruction in basic sports skills -- like swimming, running and handcycling -- CAF allows each participating individual to develop the confidence they need to reach their fitness goals. Each clinic is led by a recognized expert and past CAF grant recipients and ambassadors of sport serve as the mentors and role models for the next wave of challenged athletes.
Additionally, CAF’s Northeast Chapter has a variety of employee engagement activities, relying on an extensive use of volunteers, including many challenged athletes, to assist with administrative tasks, prospect research, Catch A Rising Star clinics and workshops, and our signature "Heroes, Heart and Hope" Gala, held annually at the Waldorf=Astoria. As the Chapter grows and expands, plans for CAF-driven events are in the works, which will provide additional opportunities for employees to become engaged with CAF and our athletes.
