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Check this page frequently to get the latest news about the Challenged Athletes Foundation-Florida (CAF-Florida), its athletes and about upcoming events that benefit CAF-Florida.
Recent News:
May 8, 2010: Rausin Enjoys Spotlight
May 6, 2010: Grant Recipient Encourages Others
May 4, 2010: Tim Houston Competes in First Coast Kids Triathlon
March 26, 2010: Racing for Life
March 25 , 2010 : CAF Florida Changes Lives at the 2010 Gasparilla Distance Classic
March 22, 2010: Still Driving On
March 12 , 2010 : Saharan Runner takes on the Green Monster
March 12 , 2010 : Tracking his wheel world: Disabled Rockledge senior excited to compete
February 28 , 2010 : No Obstacle is too Challenging for Scout
February 23 , 2010 : "I had to learn to run again" by Maja Kazazic
February 17 , 2010 : CAF Florida at the 2010 Melbourne Beaches & Music Marathon
February 5 , 2010 : HealthSource Magazine features CAF at Gate River Run in Jacksonville
February 4 , 2010 : Nothing Can Slow Paralyzed Athlete
January 27, 2010 : Ultra-Runner's Passion Helps Challenged Athletes Foundation
January 20, 2010 : Local athlete Ronnie Dickson featured in Dead Point Magazine
January 18, 2010 : Run, Walk or Wheel the St. Petersburg Grand Prix racetrack
December 21, 2009: New Handcycle Marathon Championship Scheduled in Melbourne Florida
December 14, 2009: Tiny Warrior Tim Houston and marathon runner Chris Roman on WTLV Jacksonville
December 2 , 2009: Florida High School Athletics Board Adds Adapted Track & Field Division
November 9 , 2009: Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
November 2 , 2009: Guaranteed Entries into 2010 St. Anthony's Triathlon
October 28 , 2009: Rock Climbing Clinic at Vertical Ventures
September 18, 2009: Grantee Spotlight: Jake Bainter
September 15, 2009: Florida CAF announces 2010 Event Schedule!
August 13, 2009: Grantee Spotlight: Arielle Rausin
July 7, 2009: CAF-Florida Wraps Up Spring Event Season - Looking Ahead to 2010
June 2, 2009: Athletes Brave the Heat for Ironman® 70.3 Florida
April 16, 2009: Three Grand Slams at Florida’s Gasparilla Event
January 30, 2009: CAF-Florida Adds New Member to Their Board of Directors
December 11, 2008: Shawn Mello Offers Some CAF Show-and-Tell
November 21, 2008: 2009 Florida Event Schedule Set – CAF Registration Now Open!
November 21 , 2008: 15th Anniversary SDTC a Home Run for Florida Crew
August 2008: Blaze Sports Clubs Tampa Bay Brings Home the Hardware from NJDC
June 23, 2008: Tampa Athlete Rings Up Paralympic Trifecta
May 29, 2008: Wounded veterans big winners as CAF wraps up its spring season in Orlando
May 12, 2008: Florida Chapter Corner (CAF eNewsletter: May 2008)
February 15, 2008: Rebirth of Wheelchair Division Highlights Gasparilla Weekend in Tampa
January 31, 2008: 15K Elite Wheelchair Division Make a Comeback at Gasparilla Distance Classic
November 5, 2007: First year fund-raising totals in for Florida CAF Chapter
September 17, 2007: St. Anthony’s Triathlon Welcomes CAF as Charity Partner
August 21, 2007: Plans formalized For Team CAF Operation Rebound Florida 2008
July 16, 2007: Florida Chapter announces first CAF event for 2008
June 1, 2007: CAF-Florida Chapter Raises $160,000 for Operation Rebound
March 27, 2007: Join the Operation Rebound: Florida 70.3 Team — Funds Raised to Help American Heroes “Get Back into the Game”
March 26, 2007: New Chapter helps support 53 athlete grants for 2007
March 7, 2007: Challenged Athletes Foundation Announces Formation of Florida Chapter: Move Bolsters Disabled Sports Organization’s National Presence
Rausin Enjoys Spotlight
North wheelchair athlete longs for state competition
 North Fort Myers' Arielle Rausin competes in the 800-meter wheelchair event at the Class 3A Track & Field finals in Winter Park. (sarah rogers/special to the news-press
BY RON WHITE
May 8, 2010
Find the article here.
WINTER PARK - Call it a victory lap. North Fort Myers sophomore Arielle Rausin met some bumps in the road on her way to earning a chance to compete this season for the team's track team.
On Friday, though, Rausin's eyes sparkled as she flashed a grin and recalled the noise she heard when she made the final turn in the 800 meter race at the Class 3A state track and field championships.
"It was great. I loved it," said Rausin, who said she heard the cheers from the more than 1,000 fans as she wheeled her way to the finish line.
Rausin, who uses a wheelchair due to a 2003 Thanksgiving Day car crash that left her paralyzed below the belly button, was a typical athlete when she talked about her performance. First, she was disappointed that she was alone on the track.
"I had no competition. I wish there were other girls on the track," Rausin said.
She also expressed displeasure with her time, 2 minutes, 58 seconds.
"My chair isn't as fast on this surface," said Rausin, whose seed time was 2:46.49, a personal best.
Rausin also competed in the 200 run and the shot put. She was the only competitor in the 200. She finished in 42.84. In the shot put, she finished second. She threw the shot 13 feet, 5.25 inches. Zephyrhills' Heather Haynie won the adaptive shot put with a toss of 26 feet, 7.5 inches.
This is the first year for the adaptive division at the state track meet. The Florida High School Athletic Association added it in late September largely because she and her parents appealed for it to be added with the help of the Challenged Athletes Foundation and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.
The foundation paid for her competition chair, which her father, Eric Rausin said cost more than $3,000.
Rausin said she is ready to make another trip to state next May, but she hopes she has more competition.
"There's nobody to push her. She likes to compete. She's very competitive, and she's a big inspiration for our team," said fellow North Fort Myers sophomore Shannon Hassett.
Grant Recipient Encourages Others
May 6, 2010
| CAF Florida grant recipient Jeffrey Rush on Fox 13 talking about the US Tennis Association's upcoming block party. Click HERE for the interview. Jeffrey received his tennis wheelchair at our Gasparilla banquet & has won several championships. Congrats Jeffrey! |
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Excited to achieve the athletic feat, youth race to finish triathlon.
 BRUCE LIPSKY/The Times-UnionCarolyn Houston helps her son Tim, 6, up after attaching his prosthesis in the transition area. Tim lost part of his left leg due to a blood clot at birth. He was competing with the Challenged Athletes Foundation team Sunday. The First Coast Kids Triathlon was held on the campus of the University of North Florida on Sunday in Jacksonville.
Florida Times Union
May 3, 2010
By Timothy J. Gibbons
The 9- and 10-year-old racers had just about hit a fever pitch by the time they got to head out of the tent.
Are you ready, they were asked — their response a level of cheering that was startling even with 350 children generating it.
The cheers echoing, they were off, threading their way across the University of North Florida campus to the swimming pool for their first event in the First Coast Kids Triathalon.
“Oh, he’s crying.”
“OK, buddy, you got it.”
“Look for mommy at the pool.”
This group of racers was the largest age contingent in the competition, which attracted some 1,000 participants ages 5 to 15 years old.
Those 10 and under would spend their morning swimming 100 yards, biking three miles and running half a mile. Each distance was doubled for the older group.
The crowd was about double last year’s showing, with some 400 of the 500 participants in the inaugural event showing up this year, said Tom Gildersleeve, one of the organizers.
Those racers with that bit of experience were obvious all around the site.
“He loved it last year,” Eva Ritz said as her son Victor got ready to race. “They put a lot of effort into making it kid friendly.”
The newcomers were just as excited.
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BRUCE LIPSKY/The Times-UnionTim Houston, 6, who lost part of his left leg due to a blood clot at birth, competes in the bicycling leg of the First Coast Kids Triathlon with Brian Murphy, a UNF physical therapy student, running along side him. He was competing with the Challenged Athletes Foundation team.
“It gives them something to do instead of just sitting around being bored,” said Lakisha Dixon, waiting for one of her two participating children to jump into the water. “I want him to apply this the rest of his life. You never know what this is the beginning of.”
Whatever the race could lead to eventually, the beginning stage was over for most of the kids a few minutes after they jumped into the pool for their four laps. Next, the bikes. |
“Take your goggles off.”
“Good job so far!”
“You’re doing great!”
The mixture of sports is part of the appeal of the event, said Mandy Gildersleeve, Tom’s wife and one of the founders of the event.
“Most kids like to do all three things,” she said. “They can come here and have fun.”
From the pool, the kids dashed over to the transition area and then headed off on one of a dizzying array of bikes — flowers on this one, a mountain bike there, an actual racing bike seemingly a few sizes too large for its child rider next out of the gate.
Around the track once or twice, depending on age, and then back to being on foot.
Some with weary legs, others almost tripping over their pedals in anticipation, the racers returned their bikes to the transition point and took off running for the final event.
“You can do it!”
“You’re almost there.”
“Keep pushing!”
Just at the entrance to the track stood a few of the more than 200 volunteers who helped run the event, handing out water and cheering the racers on.
“They just want to finish,” said Cecila Army as she filled paper cups with water. “Some have such a determined look on their face, like they’re saying 'I can do it.’”
Across the track they go, around some cones, back into their lanes. Ahead, the finish line.
“We’re so proud of you.”
“I knew you could do it!”
“Do you want some ice cream?”
“It’s a very proud parental moment,” said Vanessa Beattie as her 9-year-old daughter Mackenzie walked off the track.
And it won’t be the last one, Mackenzie said. “I like to run and I want to build up some muscle,” she said.
She’s not the only one who plans on coming back next year.
“It’s all about having fun when you have your chance,” said Tristan Yerger, who is looking around for other races to participate in. “You just have to believe in yourself.”
timothy.gibbons@jacksonvil le.com
(904) 359-4103
March 26, 2010
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News coverage from News Channel 8 in Tampa on Lt. Brian Brennan and the St. Pete Grand Prix 5K that benefited Challenged Athletes Foundation. A miracle story involving an Army lieutenant severely injured during the war on terrorism but courageous enough to bounce back for a race. Click HERE for the video.
Watch the video: http://bit.ly/8ZJ7ik |
March 22 , 2010
Still Driving On
Lt. Brian Brennan meets Winter, the Dolphin with a prosthetic tail.
Combat Veteran Brian Brennan Served in Operation Enduring Freedom
WHAT: Winter the dolphin will meet Army veteran Brian Brennan, who was seriously injured in Afghanistan when an IED exploded under his humvee. He miraculously survived and returned home a double amputee. Winter and Brian have a lot in common as they both survived life-threatening injuries, in spite of the odds. And just like Winter, Brian's compelling life story has become an inspiration to others.
WHEN: Friday, March 19
WHERE: Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) and Winter the dolphin are supporting the Grand Prix 5K in downtown St. Petersburg Friday, March 26 at 6:30 p.m., to help raise funds for wounded soldiers, spinal cord research and more. The 5K will benefit the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, the Florida Chapter of the Challenged Athletes Foundation, American Spinal Research Organization Shoot for A Cure and Operation Rebound for Wounded Veterans. For more information, visit www.GrandPrix5K.com.
Brennan will be participating in the event, as will General David Petraeus, the Commander of U.S. Central Command in Tampa and former Commanding General of the Multi-National Force in Iraq. Brennan started the "Brennan Stands Alone Foundation," to help current and former members of the United States Armed Forces who have been injured in the line of duty. Visit www.brennanstandsalone.org for more information.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a Florida non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, dedicated to marine life rescue, rehabilitation and release, and environmental education. CMA is home to dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, nurse sharks and more. Winter the dolphin's story of survival and inspiration has touched millions of people around the world. A movie about her life story is in the works with Warner Bros.-based Alcon Entertainment. Her documentary, "Winter: The Dolphin that Could" is available at www.SeeWinter.com. The film takes viewers on an extraordinary journey through her rescue, fight to stay alive and extensive rehabilitation. Scholastic published Winter's Tail: How One Little Dolphin Learned to Swim Again in October 2009.
March 12 , 2010
Saharan runner takes on the green monster
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Saying endurance runner Charlie Engle is addicted to running is like saying the Sahara is dry.
'Running the Sahara' is Engle's documentary about his trek across Africa with two buddies. It took them 111 days to cross the 4,500 mile desert. The first word that comes to most people's mouth is -- crazy. Engle just loves the adventure.
Once a drug addict, Engle is now fighting for a different cause. As an ambassador for the Challenged Athletes Foundation, Engle is running for life, not from it.
He now runs several 100 mile races a year, and this weekend he is in Jacksonville to run the Gate River Run 15k. Engle says he's not running for a specific time here; it's "just a social run" and he's happy to be here supporting CAF. You can read more about Charlie Engle in his blog.
Engle joined local doctor Chris Roman on Good Morning Jacksonville Friday. Roman is also an endurance runner who ran the Jacksonville Bank Marathon TWICE in December to help raise funds and awareness for CAF. Roman is planning on running the Boston Marathon twice in April for the same cause. He hopes to reach his CAF fundraising goal of $10,000 before the marathon on April 19th.
The CAF helps disabled athletes obtain their fitness goals by being involved in sports on every level.
 Watch the full interview HERE.
March 12 , 2010
Disabled Rockledge senior excited to compete in new adapted events
MELBOURNE -- — Austin Jeffords was like every other athlete at Monday's Viera High track and field meet.
He was just another teen athlete wandering the track facility while a coach scanned the field, anxious to tell him where to be and when to be there. Once at the competition area, an event coach asked him why he didn't have the necessary 8.8-pound shot and then helped to retrieve one.
A track and field meet, particularly at the beginning, has hundreds of bodies crossing paths, searching for the right spot. Coaches are herding. Young athletes prepare to compete while also carrying on the daily routine of social interaction. Sometimes, there's a little innocent mischief.
Monday, Jeffords was right in the middle of it, and he, his coaches and his mom couldn't have been happier. Jeffords is a 17-year-old Rockledge senior and one of the Florida High School Athletic Association's first wheelchair athletes. He is excited about the chance to compete and to wear his school's jersey.
 Craig Rubadoux, FLORIDA TODAY Austin Jeffords puses his way to the finish line of the 800 race.
Jeffords competes in each of the three events offered in this first year of adapted track and field in the FHSAA: shot put, 200 meters and 800 meters.
"It looked really cool, and I'm always open to new things," he said. "I was kind of skeptical about it, and I didn't know what I'd be racing in until I saw that. I was like, 'How does that work?' "
"That" was his competition racing chair. When Rockledge coaches Charles Stockton and Beth Scarborough learned the FHSAA had opened up its track and field competition to wheelchair athletes, they sought out Austin and asked him to join the team.
"When we first got into it, he was shy because he was the only one in it," Stockton said. "At the first meet, he was racing around the track and everyone was cheering for him. Now he's a big hero on campus."
 Austin Jeffords, 17, of Rockledge High races against the clock in the 880 as part of the adapted track event. (Craig Rubadoux, FLORIDA TODAY)
Officials at the FHSAA referred Rockledge coaches to the Challenged Athletes Foundation, which has an office in Tarpon Springs. The group had encouraged the state association to add events for challenged athletes.
Lew Friedland is one of the founders of the CAF, which has been raising money for these athletes since 1994 in California. It now operates in all 50 states.
Friedland's group took a call from the Jeffords family and was quite interested in providing, for a year, one chair for racing and another for the shot put.
LEFT: Craig Rubadoux, FLORIDA TODAYAustin Jeffords tosses the shot put during a track and field meet at Viera High School.
RIGHT:
Craig Rubadoux, FLORIDA TODAY Austin Jeffords, front, waits with his mother Kristine Jeffords and brother Garrett Jeffords for his turn to throw the shot putt.
"This is a kid who had no peer group," Friedland said. "He's alone, until all of a sudden you have a kid who turns around and can contribute to the school."
It is difficult for such challenged athletes to compete without financial help.
Racing chairs cost in the range of $2,500 to $3,000, and the chair made for shot put costs about $1,000. If Jeffords has shown after a year that he is interested in continuing in track and field, the organization will buy him chairs fitted specifically for him.
Jeffords, who has his eye on qualifying for the state track and field meet, plans to continue with 5K and 15K races beyond high school. He has learned of collegiate track and field programs at the University of Arizona and University of Illinois for which he would be eligible.
"They're really big into wheelchair events," he said. "I may go there and take my track a little further."
 Craig Rubadoux, FLORIDA TODAY Austin Jeffords drives toward the finish line of the 800
It has already taken him miles. Jeffords was injured in a fall at age 21 months, and mom Kristine said his sporting and social opportunities have been "very limited."
"He's been pretty isolated," she said.
Not any more.
"Instead of going home and going right to his room, he comes home and talks about his day at practice and helps out around the house."
Already a "big-time gamer" and guitar player, Jeffords' interests now have spread beyond his room, to track events in the county and across the state. Two weeks ago, he competed in a 5K in Tampa with thousands of others.
His world has become so wide that he won't pick a favorite.
"I plan to do multiple sports," he said. "I'm really interested in tennis and hand cycling."
Because of a prior interest in weight training, he got a head start on the upper body strength to excel at racing. His first challenge was acquiring proper equipment. Now, it is technique.
"It's more of a pushing motion," he said of turning the chair's wheels for racing. "You're in a kneeling position, where you're leaning forward. Your legs are actually under you."
Friedland said those in wheelchairs in their late teens or early 20s are "a very low-esteem group" with an elevated risk of suicide. So the CAF wants to spread sports to enhance more lives the way Jeffords' has been enhanced.
"If somebody contacts us and says, 'I'd like to compete,' we will actually call them and their coach and find out more about them," he said, adding that their funding is limited and perhaps 200 students in Florida qualify for the new FHSAA adapted track and field events. "We have someone who will go anywhere in the state and measure them for a chair."
After getting his own borrowed three-wheeler, Jeffords cut more than two minutes off his 800 time in his next race. Monday at Viera, the crowd cheering him on during two laps around the track, he sliced off another 11 seconds, down to 3:06.
"You've just got to keep a steady pace. Eleven seconds doesn't sound like a lot, but it is."
In one sense, it is immeasurable.
February 28 , 2010
TAMPA - There were 22 young faces staring back at Joe and Susi Bassett that day in the orphanage at Nanjing, China. Some were vacant, some were desperate, and one spoke loudest of all without saying a word.
 Staff photo by BILL WARD
Scout Bassett competed in Saturday's Publix Super Markets Gasparilla Distance Classic 5-kilometer run.
"I just knew that little girl was supposed to be mine," Susi said. "I looked at her and said, 'She needs me.'"
The little girl was 7 years old. She weighed about 25 pounds, the result of eating nothing but small portions of rice and crackers her entire life. She had no schooling in the orphanage, only forced labor and beatings. She had never heard music, never read a book or a magazine.
Fate often works inexplicably, though, and so it was in this case.
The Bassetts were in China to complete the adoption of another child they would take back to their home in Michigan. That already had been done, at a different orphanage. They were in Nanjing as a favor to another couple back in the United States, taking pictures of a child those people planned to adopt.
But Susi Bassett couldn't ignore what the voice inside was telling her to do.
"She had such a needy face. I got to the door and looked at my husband and said, 'We have to come back here. We have to have that little girl,'" she said.
They didn't know at the time that with all the other things already stacked against her, the girl had just one leg. When they found out later, they didn't care. Susi figured that just confirmed how badly the child needed the love she and her husband would provide. Ten months later they returned to pick up the little girl and a younger boy, who they also met at that orphanage.
The abandoned child with the needy face was reborn as Scout Bassett.
And on a wet, chilly Saturday morning on the streets of Tampa, the now 21-year-old woman crossed the finish line in the 5K race at the Gasparilla Distance Classic in 39:48, jostling through the thousands of runners in what amounted to a warmup for her race in today's half-marathon.
"I've never been in a 5k race this big," she said.
She was bumped by another runner early in the race and went sprawling onto Platt Street, but she hopped right back up and kept going.
As we shall see, nothing keeps her down for long.
All she had known
The Scout Bassett you see today is a vibrant young athlete, a junior at UCLA who competes in triathlons and embraces the symbolism she represents. She may only stand 4-foot-8, but she has the stature of a giant.
"She's my hero; she inspires me," Joe Bassett said. "I had a traumatic brain injury 23 years ago and there are still some mornings where I have migraines and would rather not get out of bed. But I go into her room and see her (prosthetic) legs propped up and I think, 'How can I not get moving?'"
Scout - named for a character in the novel "To Kill A Mockingbird" - lost her right leg after suffering severe burns before she was a year old. Shortly after that, she was abandoned at the orphanage. It was basically a warehouse where she slept in a room with up to 40 other children, ranging from toddlers up to age 10.
"There were unbelievable hardships," she said. "I was malnourished, and a lot of times we were beaten with a stick or a shoe whether we misbehaved or not.
"They would take me into the bathtub every so often in hot, hot water and hold my head under the water for the longest time. I remember thinking each time, 'This is the end of it.' But you have to understand - this was normal for me. This was all I knew. We did laundry, mopped and scrubbed floors, cleaned dishes. Basically, we did whatever they told us to do."
She had never heard of the United States when the Bassetts returned to take her to Michigan (they have since moved to California). She had never ridden in a car, stayed in a hotel, eaten in a restaurant and certainly had never flown in an airplane. Instead of being wide-eyed with excitement and a sense of adventure, Scout was terrified.
 Photo by Pam Mione Scout Bassett celebrates with the kids after the 2 mile Nike Challenge run on Sunday
She cried. She fought. She screamed.
Since she couldn't speak English, just translating her basic needs became a challenge.
"They took me from the only thing I had known in my entire life," she said. "People ask me, 'Oh, weren't you thrilled to be with these parents who loved you?' It wasn't like that, though.
"All the years and horrific experiences we had in the orphanage, as bad as it was, it was also our reality. For people to take us out of there and not know what was coming, it was hard to take."
She learned to adjust, though. The girl who couldn't speak English when she arrived finished second in a statewide spelling bee when she was in the fifth grade. And along the way, she found something else.
She found sports.
Determination paid off
At the small Christian high school she attended, the tiny girl with one leg wouldn't be kept down. She played tennis and golf. She was on the softball team, but the coach never put her in a game.
"She told me she had to play the best players because winning was too important, and that's why I couldn't play," Scout said.
A visit to Orlando led to a meeting with a representative of the Challenged Athletes Foundation. She learned there was a world where they would put her in the game and that the only requirement for winning was having the willingness to try. Soon, she was competing in triathlons (she had to learn to swim). She learned to change out her "bike" leg with the "running" leg.
The girl who was afraid to travel was soon jetting around the country, doing speaking engagements and appearing at events like Gasparilla. She is poised, confident and driven. When she graduates from UCLA, she might go back to China and the orphanage. The original building has been torn down and replaced, but the trip itself would provide closure.
"I think it would be an incredible journey to go back," she said. "I'd love to see a part of my culture and heritage I never got to see when I was there. I'd be an outsider looking in, and not the other way around."
Who can know for sure what would have happened if Susi Bassett had ignored what her instincts were telling her to do that day at the orphanage. Most people would have found a million reasons to do just that, but that tiny face that spoke without speaking wouldn't let her forget.
"She could have wound up in prostitution or been a beggar out on the street," Susi said. "China thinks of those children as throwaways. But this is like a miracle with her. Friends had advised us not go back and get her because older children have so many psychological needs, but I just knew God wanted the child to be with us."
February 23 , 2010
CAF athlete Maja Kazazic's interview on how she reaches her goals
Goal: My goal at first was simple: Walk more than two steps without pain. Once I was able to reach that goal, I set my sights on walking a 5K, which I did in 2009. I have to raise the bar again, so my new goal is to run the 5K at today's Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic.
Why I did it: Before my injuries in the Bosnian War, I was the quintessential tomboy. I played soccer at every opportunity, on boys' teams of course. I loved playing basketball and tennis or running just for the feel of the wind in my hair!
After losing my left leg and barely saving my right, I was forced to become a spectator of the sports I loved. Because my residual limb is very difficult to fit, walking was very painful for me. I tried not to let that slow me down, but every physical exertion, even walking a few blocks, would require days of rest afterward.
Two years ago, I was inspired by Clearwater Marine Aquarium's most famous resident, Winter, the dolphin with a prosthetic tail. Through Winter, I was fortunate enough to have found Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics, which now makes and maintains my prosthetic, and it fits like a glove.
I love being physically active and fit. Now that I can walk (and run) pain-free, I am going to make the most of it!
 Staff photo by MICHAEL SPOONEYBARGER
Maja Kazacic was fitted with a prosthetic leg after suffering injuries and losing her leg during the Bosnian War.
How I did it: I've always eaten healthfully: lean meat and fish (except for the traditional Bosnian lamb dishes at special occasions), fruits, vegetables. I don't like sweet things, so cakes and cookies aren't too much of a temptation for me.
Most people take walking for granted. For me, every step needs my attention. I have to consciously balance over my prosthetic or risk stumbling and falling. Until last year, I had not run a step for 16 years! In order to meet my newest goal of running a 5K, I had to learn to run again.
The Challenged Athletes Foundation hosts periodic running clinics for its athletes. I was lucky enough to attend last year's clinic, held in San Diego. This year's clinic will be in St. Petersburg on April 24. The coaches were amazing, and the running drills were challenging and tough. By the end of the clinic, I was running and feeling that wind in my hair once again.
Afterward, I increased my endurance by running at least three times a week on the treadmill and on the Dunedin Causeway. I gradually increased both my speed and distance.
Believe it or not, my Wii Fit also helps me work on my balance challenges. Whether I'm swooshing through a virtual ski slalom or heading digital soccer balls, the Wii Fit helps me maintain my center of balance, which in turn helps me run more smoothly. Because it's fun, I play a lot!
Hurdles: Before getting my new prosthetic, the condition of my residual limb kept me from any meaningful exercise. While there were times when I became frustrated, I did not give up. Not being able to walk, run and play sports was not an option for me. I persisted, trying several different prosthetists and prosthetic models.
I moved to Florida because I just don't like the cold. I love looking at snow, but only for a few days. When it's cold, windy or raining, it's hard to get motivated to get out and run. If it's too cold to run the causeway, I hit the treadmill at my favorite gym.
Best advice: Through my years of physical therapy and rehabilitation, I learned that being consistent pays off. On days when I'm tempted to skip a workout, I remind myself of the pleasure I get from running. I try to picture myself coming across that finish line, pleasantly out of breath and with a wonderful sense of accomplishment. I lace up my running shoes, bundle up and hit the road. Pretty soon, my workout is done and my newest goal is one day closer.
It also is important to have patience with yourself and your results. If you've been sedentary for a number of months or years, you can't expect to run a mile the first time you try. Keep trying and be patient. Before you know it, you'll go from walking a mile, to jogging a mile, to running a mile and more. Don't give up; you'll be surprised at what your mind and body can accomplish!
February 5 , 2010
HealthSource magazine features caf
Dr. Chris Roman talks about the 33rd Annual Gate River Run in Jacksonville and CAF
This article appeared in the February issue of HealthSource Magazine. A PDF version of the magazine can be found by clicking Here.
February 4 , 2010
Nothing can slow down paralyzed athlete
Carlos Moleda talks about his inspirational story and his partnership with CAF
This article appeared in Florida Today's newspaper on February 4, 2010.
Carlos Moleda has always lived life large.
At 17, he dreamed of becoming a skateboarding champion, first coming to America to compete in 1979 and then returning the following year from his native Brazil to start a new life.
On Dec. 20, 1989, however, Moleda, who was by then a U.S. citizen and elite Navy SEAL, was hit by two bullets when his 10-man unit -- operating in Panama -- came under fire while helping to restore democracy.
In spite of being paralyzed from the waist down, Moleda knew adventure still beckoned.
"I realized that I was still the same person," said the upbeat 47-year-old Moleda, who lives in South Carolina and will be racing Sunday. "I knew that I would get my life back and that sports would be a huge part of it."
Instead of becoming the next Tony Hawk, however, Moleda became a husband, father, business owner, mentor and championship handcyclist and triathlete.
His athletic prowess has given him two national championships; a Sadlers (367-mile) Ultra Challenge win; and five Hawaiian Ironman World Championship medals, including the
physically-challenged world record of 10 hours, 30 minutes and 55 seconds.
Moleda also is a spokesperson for the Challenged Athletes Foundation and teaches kids with disabilities how to ride handcycles. He also mentors and coaches disabled veterans for CAF's Operation Rebound.
"I don't feel like a disabled person," he said. "I'm just a guy doing what he wants.
January 27, 2010
ultra-runner's passion helps challenged athletes foundation
Dr. Chris Roman talks about his support for CAF
Dr. Chris Roman with superstar Tim Houston |
"Running for me is a passion. Something I love to do. Since I became part of the ultra-running community, I have enjoyed the support and camaraderie. Being able to put it all toward a cause, the CAF [Challenged Athlete Foundation], has made it even better."
That's a sentiment from Christopher Roman, a radiologist at St. Vincent's Medical Center. He and his wife, Erin, live in Jacksonville Golf and Country Club with their two daughters, Carson and Maddox. Erin is an operating room nurse at St. Vincent's. Carson is in third grade at Jacksonville Beach Elementary and Maddox is 4.
The Challenged Athlete Foundation raises money to help young athletes who want to compete in sports. It provides items such as specialized prosthetics, equipment and mentors such as Chris, who is working with 6-year-old Tim Houston of Ponte Vedra Beach. Tim needs a prosthetic leg so he can run in triathlons. |
Tim ran the final track lap of the Jacksonville Bank Marathon with Chris in December. For Chris, it was a double marathon. It all began at 2:30 a.m. when he ran the course alone before joining the event at 7 a.m. for his second marathon.
"The stars were out [at 2:30] and my [Sony] Walkman was on. It was beautiful," Chris said of the early start.
Chris ran in high school and college just for fun. He ran his first marathon when he was a senior in college. Then medical school and the grueling schedule during his residency, first in surgery and then in radiology, kept him from running. He returned... To read the rest of the story from the Florida Times-Union, please click on the link HERE.
January 20, 2010
Local athlete featured in Dead point magazine
December issue featured Ronnie Dickson and his amazing abilities
Winter Haven, Florida resident Ronnie Dickson was featured in the December issue of the climbing magazine Dead Point. Click HERE for the pdf version of the article. Great job Ronnie! You're an inspiration to us all!
 
January 18, 2010
Get some serious grand prix track time
Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg 5k run, walk 'n wheel-a-thon
There are few momentous sporting events that take place in our lifetime that we have the privilege to witness firsthand. Friday March 26 will see one of those events as you are given the rare opportunity to walk, run or wheel the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg racetrack. Experience firsthand every curve, every straightaway, the night before the big race weekend. 
The event is a family-friendly 5k run, walk and wheel-a-thon to raise money to support research and help paralyzed and challenged athletes. Early registrants will receive a free Friday Pass to all Grand Prix qualifying and practice events and everyone is invited for an after-race party at North Straub Park. Click HERE for our event flyer.
So why not take advantage of this opportunity, get on the track and support some great organizations? For more information and to register for the event, please visit www.grandprix5k.com.
December 21 , 2009
new handcycling event to be held in melbourne, florida
State Farm Melbourne & Beaches Music Marathon to Host Handcycling Marathon Championship
Melbourne, Fla. – Organizers of the Melbourne & Beaches Music Marathon Weekend, one of the Southeast’s premiere distance-running events, today announced a joint partnership with the Challenged Athletes Foundation and Invacare/Top End, a leading maker of premium handcycles and racing wheelchairs, to create the “Top End Euro-America Handcycling Marathon Championship.” The event will be held on February 7, 2010 and competed in conjunction with the latter stages of the running marathon.
Details on the overall event and online entry information can be found at www.themelbournemarathon.com.
The Top End Euro-America Handcycling Marathon Championship will offer racers a total cash purse of $2,000.00 and is expected to draw some of the world’s best handcyclists to what organizers foresee to become a staple event for the world’s best as well as emerging and novice handcyclists.
The handcycling championships will have separate male and female divisions as well as divisions for Masters and Quadriplegic competitors.
“We had been talking with the Challenged Athletes Foundation about incorporating their athletes in our races, but we also wanted to do something special and unique with them,” said Melbourne & Beaches Music Marathon founder Mitch Varnes. “When I started learning about handcycling and the amazing athletes who compete on them, it jumped out at me as something we needed to do in Melbourne.”
“Top End is proud to team-up with the State Farm Melbourne & Beaches Music Marathon and the Challenged Athletes Foundation in sponsoring the Top End Euro-America Handcycling Marathon Championship,” said Invacare/Top End Director Chris Peterson. “We hope this is the start of something big. The course is great and the Melbourne area is fantastic. We all look forward to an exciting race.”
Interest in the handcycle event has been strong with entries already coming in from traveling elites such as World Time Trial Champion Oz Sanchez of San Diego, California; Female Marathon world record holder Monique Van der Vorst of Amstelveen, and the Netherlands and 2008 Paralympics Road Race Champion Ernst Van Dyk of Paarl, South Africa.
The Challenged Athletes Foundation is pleased about the opportunity to feature their athletes. “There is a great opportunity for our friends at Invacare/Top End to build a meaningful handcycle championship right here in Florida-- particularly in February when many in Europe and the U.S. are training indoors on rollers and hiding from the cold weather,” said Lew Friedland, founder of the Florida chapter of the Challenged Athletes Foundation. “We’re all about supporting opportunities for physically challenged athletes to compete and very pleased to have been selected as a charity partner at the Melbourne Marathon. It should be a lot of fun.”
The handcycling event will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 7, 2010 while the main running part of the race begins at 7 a.m. The later start time will enable the handcyclists to have open roads for much of the course, as the majority of the half-marathoners will have completed the race by this time.
The Courtyard Marriott Hotel in Melbourne, located just a few miles from the start and finish areas, is the official hotel for handcycling competitors. The hotel has arranged with Top End to provide complimentary double accommodations to the first 40 entrants for the night of February 6. For information or reservations, contact the hotel directly at 321-724-6400. You must use the code “Top End” to receive the special arrangement.
The Melbourne & Beaches Music Marathon committee is offering a significantly reduced entry rate of $50.00 to the first 40 registered handcyle athletes. Applicants can register online through the event website at www.themelbournemarathon.com. After 40 athletes have entered, the entry fee will increase to the usual marathon race rate as shown on the event website.
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About the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF)
Challenged Athletes Foundation raises money so kids and soldiers with physical challenges can participate and compete in the sports they love. By providing opportunities and resources needed for active lifestyles, CAF enhances these individuals' self-esteem, independence and quality of life.
About Invacare/Top End
Top End® is the Sports and Recreation Rehab Division of Invacare® Corporation. They have trained personnel located around the globe to help individuals achieve the perfect fit and function for their next performance everyday or sports product.
December 14 , 2009
Local marathon runner hero for young boy
Tiny warrior Tim Houston and marathon runner Chris Roman on WTLV Jacksonville
Jacksonville, Florida-- Many of you spend your mornings or free time jogging down the street of the River City.
Chris Roman plans to do a whole lot of jogging, and for a good cause.
Roman is going to run the Jacksonville Bank Marathon this weekend, twice. He'll set out around 2 a.m. to run and finish the 26.2 mile race just in time to do it again at 7 a.m with everyone else.
Roman is running for a reason. The reason is a 5-year-old boy from Ponte Vedra named Tim. Tim has a prosthetic leg. Roman is trying to raise money for the Challenged Athletes Foundation which helps children like Tim with costly prosthetics.
Watch the video from WTLV, Good Morning Jacksonville.
Tim Houston with his dad, Jim Houston
December 2 , 2009
Florida high school athletic board adds adaptive track & field division
November 23, 2009 was a great day for challenged athletes in Florida! The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Board of Directors voted to allow three new wheelchair events at high school track meets for the coming track season.
GAINESVILLE - The Florida High School Athletic Association Board of Directors voted today to add an adapted division to the Track & Field State Series.
In serving eligible student athletes with disabilities, FHSAA will utilize a hybrid set of rules, similar to those employed by the Georgia High School Association. These include adherence to current FHSAA applicable track and field guidelines for the non-disabled and modifications for reasonable accommodation designed by the American Association of Adapted Sports Programs. AAASP works in partnership with education agencies in the U.S. to establish policies, procedures and regulations in interscholastic adapted sports for students with physical or visual impairments to enhance educational outcomes.
Each of the four current classes will be divided into the boys division, boys adapted division, girls division and girls adapted division to allow students with permanent physical disabilities to participate in the wheelchair 200-meter dash, wheelchair 800-meter run and shot put.
“The Board took action today to initiate a track & field competition for students with disabilities, affording them the opportunity to compete on an interscholastic level and recognizing that adaptive students are part of the entire interscholastic program,” said Executive Director Roger Dearing.
Lew Friedland, advisor to FHSAA and founder of the Florida Chapter of the Challenged Athletes Foundation praised the decision. “This would not have happened without the leadership of Executive Director Roger Dearing and tireless efforts of Director of Athletics Shanell Young. Together, they gave Board members the confidence to take this huge step and give our kids an opportunity to compete.”
The decision is likely to draw national praise as well since opportunities for students with disabilities to compete in sanctioned sports at school remains out of their reach for many in most states. There are however signs that leaders in education are increasingly sensitive to a growing desire on the part of parents and athletes to compete while developing healthier lifestyles through the sport and recreation opportunities most of us take for granted.
Among those groups working with AAASP to assist high school associations when they seek guidance in this area is the Women’s Sports Foundation, whose work in the passage of Title IX is well known.
Public Policy Director for the WSF, Terry Lakowski, issued this statement upon hearing the news. “These actions demonstrate FHSAA's understanding of the important benefits sports participation provides to all students-- especially those students with disabilities. The Women’s Sports Foundation applauds them on a decision that will certainly have a positive affect on these deserving students and their families.”
Friedland is already looking ahead. “They have made some very special kids very happy. Imagine how exciting it will be to crown our first state champions!”
According to Bev Vaughn, Co-founder and Executive Director of AAASP (pronounced “asp”), the state finals are when it all gels. “In any new endeavor, there are questions and nerves to get past. But at that final state event, when everyone’s work and the obvious talent of these athletes is on display - it’s pure joy for participants and observers. You look at each other and you know – this is what we’re all here to do - encourage all our children to find and develop their talent, however unique or different that talent may be.”
The new divisions will begin with the 2009-10 track & field season
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About AAASP
AAASP works in partnership with education agencies in the U.S. to establish policies, procedures and regulations in interscholastic adapted sports for students with physical disabilities to enhance educational outcomes. Resources for parents, schools and the media can be found at www.adaptedsports.org. Contact for media: Tommie Storms, Cofounder and Director of Finance and Policy 404-294-0070 or tstorms@adaptedsports.org
About the FHSAA
The Florida High School Athletic Association is the governing body for interscholastic athletics in Florida. It has a membership of more than 750 middle and senior high schools, and sponsors postseason competitions to determine the official state high school champions in 30 different sports. The 16-member FHSAA Board of Directors is the executive authority of the Association. Contact for Media:Cristina Alvarez, Coordinator of Media and Marketing, FHSAA (352) 372-9551 ext. 170 calvarez@fhsaa.org
November 9, 2009
Find us on facebook and twitter !
Become a fan of Challenged Athletes Foundation-Florida
Are you on Facebook or Twitter? If you are, become a fan of Challenged Athletes Foundation-Florida. Our Facebook site is updated frequently with what's happening in CAF-Florida, event information, athlete profiles, photos, news and much more. Our Tweets also have important information for all those interested in sports in addition to challenged athletes information.
 
Follow us today!
November 2, 2009
Guaranteed entries starting today for 2010 st. anthony's triathlon!
Don't wait online on December 1
If you’re one of those Type-A triathletes who lives to multi-task, be efficient and give back to your community, we have an offer you may not be able to refuse!
Guaranteed entry slots into the 2010 St. Anthony’s Triathlon are available beginning today (Nov. 2nd) through the Florida Chapter of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF)! No need for you to sit by your computer all day on December 1 clicking “Submit” - hoping your entry goes through for one of the nation’s best run and most popular triathlons.
And once you’re in, you can choose to start early in the charity wave* - the fifth wave behind only the pros and elite athletes – and be done before breakfast!
There must be a catch, you say. Well, of course, there’s a catch, but it’s a very cool and worthwhile one.
All you have to do is sign up for the CAF St. Anthony’s Race for a Reason Team and commit to raising $500 for local challenged athletes by March 31, 2010. When you reach that minimum, we will provide you with a secret access code that will allow you to register for St. Anthony’s at any time prior to April 1, without any hassles or waiting.
All proceeds will go to help purchase specialized wheelchairs and other equipment to help local kids and adults compete in sports just like you. With CAF’s online fund-raising program, you can raise that in a few days with a single letter to your friends, family and training buddies.
It’s that easy! We invite you to join us and help challenged athletes while you compete. You’ll receive a special Team CAF tri-top and bike jersey, and be welcomed in our CAF Hospitality Tent near the finish line, where you can meet all your teammates and enjoy the post-race banter that’s wraps up a great day at St. Anthony’s!
To join CAF Team St. Anthony’s – follow these simple steps:
1. Click on this link - http://www.TeamCAFFlorida. kintera.org
2. Click on the blue “Register Here” button near the top left of the screen;
3. Click “I Agree” once you’ve reviewed the simple terms;
4. Complete the required personal information on the next page. Under “Select Your Fund Raising Affiliation” select “Team CAF Florida”;
5. IMPORTANT! Click the box next to St. Anthony’s Triathlon as your event (you can sign up for multiple events here if you choose – we won’t mind!);
6. Complete the remaining information on this page, and we strongly recommend setting up a personalized web page link (you will use this to e-mail to your supporters, which will take them to your fund raising page). In the box there, type something unique to you to complete the link;
7. Adjust your fund raising goal to at least $500 – many raise far more than the minimum and click “Continue”;
8. Complete the payment information on the following page and click “Continue”;
9. Follow the remaining instructions until your registration is complete.
You will soon receive e-mail notification with information about how to access your new personal web page, and there you can follow easy instructions to personalize the message in your letter and even upload a photograph of your choice to further customize the page.
You can start fund raising immediately by simply sending the new personal URL you set up to anyone you choose in your e-mail address book, and when they click that link, they will go directly to your page. Donations can be made easily online, and each donor will receive a thank you letter and a record of their donation for tax purposes.
Thank you for helping challenged athletes!!
Pictured from left, 2010 St. Anthony's Team Captains
Shawn Mello, Lin Dolen & Ronnie Dickson
October 28 , 2009
Nice turnout for rock climbing clinic at vertical ventures
Sometimes something may seem impossible," said Ronnie Dickson from the Challenged Athletes Foundation. "But once somebody else does it you know that it can be done. There's no excuse after that."
Ronnie showed a few fellow amputees just that. On Saturday, October 10th. at Vertical Ventures in Tampa he held a clinic for amputees, like himself, that it can be done. .
For information about Vertical Ventures, go to their Website at
www.verticalventures.com.
September 15, 2009
Florida CAF announces 2010 Event Schedule!
Gate River Run and Melbourne Music Marathon added to lineup
The Florida Chapter of the Challenged Athletes Foundation has set their event schedule for 2010, including two new events that will extend our efforts to the Space Coast and the Jacksonville area.
“We’re delighted to have met the race directors of the Gate River Run and the Melbourne and Beaches Music Marathon,” says Lew Friedland, founder of the Florida Chapter. “We will be building CAF Race for a Reason teams at those events to allow us to continue to raise funds for individuals with physical challenges who wish to stay active through exercise and sports.”
The list of events includes the original three CAF events in Florida – The Gasparilla Distance Classic in Tampa, the St. Anthony’s Triathlon in St. Petersburg and the Ironman Florida 70.3 Triathlon in Orlando. Details of each event are below, and can be obtained from their race websites.
To sign up for Team CAF Florida and compete at any or all of these events in 2010, please click on the link below, and hit Register Here. Follow the instructions and you will soon be part of the CAF team! Thank you in advance for supporting the mission of CAF, and all the young athletes and wounded veterans who benefit from your generosity.
Click here to register for Team CAF!
2010 CAF Florida events:
Melbourne Music Marathon - Feb. 6-7, 2010. New event on Florida's beautiful Space Coast. Run the 5K, 8K, half-marathon or marathon- live music all along the course! Building a new tradition on Florida's Atlantic coast. Event Website, VIP Benefits, Join Team CAF
Gasparilla Distance Classic - Feb 27-28, 2010. One of Florida's premier events and a Tampa tradition since 1978 along beautiful Bayshore Boulevard. Run the 5K, 15K, half-marathon or marathon, and enjoy the LabCorp Elite 15K Wheelchair Division supported by CAF. You won't want to miss the special reception Friday night where we present new sports equipment to local kids with physical challenges. Event Website, VIP Benefits, Join Team CAF
Gate River Run - March 13, 2010- Largest 15K in the US, women's 15K national championship, plus a 5K and a Junior River Run. A fixture in Jacksonville for 32 years - great course, great music along the course, just a great time! Event Website, VIP Benefits, Join Team CAF
St. Anthony's Triathlon - April 25, 2010 - The picturesque St. Petersburg waterfront is the backdrop for one of the most popular Olympic-distance triathlons anywhere. Always sold out, always a fun race, and home of the Mad Dogs! Event Website, VIP Benefits, Join Team CAF
IIronman Florida 70.3 Triathlon - May 16, 2009- Great family event at Disneyworld's Ft. Wilderness Campground. Challenging, fun and supports our brave veterans through CAF's Operation Rebound Program. Event Website, VIP Benefits, Join Team CAF
August 13, 2009
Florida Grantee Spotlight: Arielle Rausin
At just 10-years-old, Arielle Rausin, an active, bright, fun-loving, little girl, watched her life change in the blink of an eye. A car accident resulted in a T11 spinal cord injury and paralysis of her legs. With the loving guidance of her parents, she was determined to focus on the wonder of life and not the negatives of what had been lost in the accident. Now 16-years-old, Elle is still very much that same active, bright and fun loving girl.
Two years ago, Arielle discovered she loved racing in 5K’s and track and field events. Thanks to CAF and her grandfather, she now has a beautiful racing wheelchair to call her own. In June 2009, she was asked to be on Science Discovery’s, How It’s Made, as they focus on racing wheelchairs (to air in 2010).
This summer, Arielle flourised at the University of Illinois Track Camp with Coach Adam Bleakney. After just a week’s rest, she flew from her home in Port Charlotte to California, where she wrote and directed two short films while attending the School of Cinema and Performing Arts camp at Occidental College. Arielle is also working hard to make it possible for disabled students to compete in high school sports in Florida. As part of her effort, she plans to attend the National Junior Olympics at North Carolina A&T University for the Youth Disabled 800 Meter Exhibition.
Arielle’s contagious smile and positive attitude touches everyone she knows and she is living proof that setting high goals and dreaming big can go a long way.
July 7, 2009
CAF-Florida Wraps Up Spring Event Season - Looking Ahead to 2010
Team CAF Gasparilla 2009
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The first stop was Tampa, and the Gasparilla Distance Classic. Traditionally one of Florida’s largest races, Gasparilla consists of a 5K, 15K, half-marathon and full marathon, as well as a marathon relay. Also, for the second year in a row, the race included the LabCorp Elite 15K Wheelchair Division. CAF-Florida worked closely with LabCorp to grow the wheelchair race to more than 40 competitors this year, all competing for a $10,000 prize purse. |
In addition to underwriting the prize purse and travel stipends for the competitors, LabCorp also initiated an employee-driven fund raising campaign in conjunction with Gasparilla that generated more than $20,000 in just six weeks. Those funds were used to purchase 10 new pieces of sports equipment for the physically challenged members of the BlazeSports Club here in Tampa Bay. CAF athletes Sarah Reinertsen, Tricia Downing and David Rozelle were all on hand to support the event and reach out to community groups.
Final totals: Overall 100 members of Team CAF – another 70 challenged athletes and CAF friends who competed in one of the race events. Collectively, just over $51,000 was raised to support of challenged athletes.
Team CAF St. Anthony’s 2009
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The second CAF stop was in St. Petersburg, at the wildly popular St. Anthony’s Triathlon. Local challenged athletes Ronnie Dickson, Shawn Mello and Lin Dolen served as tri-captains for Team CAF St. Anthony’s. Although none got to swim that morning due to cancellation of the swim leg because of high winds, each competed with determination and pride, and helped CAF make many new fCAF athle
St. Petersburg to provide a paddleboard clinic at the St. Pete Sailing Center for individuals with disabilities, and was set to lead the swimmers at the triathlon until the winds kicked up. He was a finisher last year, competing back near his hometown of Tampa. |
Final totals: A total of 41 members (33 plus 8 Triple Crown participants) generated approximately $30,000 for challenged athletes in St. Petersburg, and had a wonderful time in the process.
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Team Operation Rebound – Ironman® 70.3 Florida 2009: How much fun can you slam into one weekend? This event would have been a good one to test those limits. First, all team members were invited to attend a private team breakfast Saturday morning, featuring 15 Operation Rebound athletes. Each one has recovered from serious injuries in the service of their country, and was in Orlando to compete on Team Operation Rebound at the Ironman® 70.3 Florida triathlon. Each had a chance to share their stories at the breakfast, which was open to all Team members and their families, as well as a few special guests. |
Later than night, everyone was again invited to do a little carbo loading at a Pasta Soiree right there in the campground, courtesy of Board member Bill Gair and his wife Susan. The triathlon on Sunday morning was kicked off in enthusiastic fashion by CAF’s Operation Rebound manager Nico Marcolongo, waving the OR flag and exciting the crowd. About seven hours later, all team members had made it through a hot and windy day and everyone was greeted at the finish by a cold drink and lots of new friends.
Final totals: The entire Team Operation Rebound was 74 members strong - 59 able-bodied athletes and 15 OR athletes, some of which ran the entire race independently, and several who competed in relays for the first time here. When all was accounted for, just under $85,000 was raised for Operation Rebound, and all team members were included in a team photo with oversized check to document their excellent efforts on behalf of the CAF.
The Florida Board is busy sorting out details of their 2010 event schedule so we can make an early announcement and allow supporters to plan their racing schedules around these dates. Thank you to everyone who supported our teams in 2009 – the proceeds raised will support a lot of excited challenged athletes.
June 2, 2009
Athletes Brave the Heat for Ironman® 70.3 Florida
Hot temperatures and high winds made for an extra grueling day at the Ironman® Florida 70.3 held on Sunday, May 17, 2009. The heat was intense at Disney and while even Mickey was starting to melt, Team Operation Rebound was doing their best to keep cool. A rousing start on the beach lead by Nico Marcolongo, the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) Operation Rebound Manager, was the perfect way to begin the day. The crowd cheered as Nico waved his military guidons giving Team Operation Rebound a jump start of energy and encouragement to take with them to the finish line.
“It was a special couple of hours, and a terrific weekend,” said Lew Friedland, President of the Florida CAF Chapter, who also served as a swim guide to OR athlete Anthony Smith. “We all really enjoyed meeting the service men and women, and they showed a lot of toughness on Sunday. We knew they would.”
14 Operation Rebound athletes made the trip to Fort Wilderness Campground in the heart of Disneyworld to represent their team, and their country yet again. Nearly $85,000 was raised to support seriously injured fellow serviceman, women and veterans. Team captain David Rozelle and Marcolongo introduced their challenged colleagues to the nearly 60 able-bodied members of the team in an emotional breakfast Saturday morning.
This was Team Operation Rebound’s third year at the Ford Ironman® Florida 70.3 event and despite the tough economy, this year’s fund raising efforts brought the three-year fund raising total over the $400,000 mark.
“It has been a tough year for all charities,” said Friedland, “but we’re very proud of the effort our team made to support the troops. These are great weekends for everyone – a lot of winners out here.”
June 2, 2009
Three Grand Slams at Florida’s Gasparilla Event
IIf three strikes means you’re out, then what does three grand slams mean? At last for CAFFlorida,
it means we put a lot of smiles on faces at changed a few lives at the 2009 Gasparilla
Distance Classic in Tampa.
An ambitious plan from the outset, here’s the upshot of Gasparilla weekend:
• Celebrity CAF athletes Sarah Reinertsen, Trish Downing and David Rozelle shared their
CAF stories all weekend with hundreds of kids and families plus . . .
• A field of nearly 50 world-class wheelchair racers, including 13 Beijing Paralympians,
racing wheel-to-wheel for a $10,000 prize purse, sponsored by . . .
• LabCorp – our new partner, who underwrote the entire wheelchair race and supplied CAF
team members and volunteers, not to mention . . .
• More than 125 runners or walkers who worked hard and dug-up more than $25,000 in
donations to CAF, which was enough for us to purchase . . .
• Eight new sports wheelchairs and two handcycles for young athletes from the BlazeSport
Club of Tampa Bay!
The presentation at Friday night’s reception was a “Kleenex”
moment for many, and a salute to the amazing young kids. “I’m not sure how we could have fit much
more into the weekend,” said Lew Friedland,
president of the Florida Chapter. “We set
out to do something really special, and with
all its many pieces and parts, it came
together as just that – a very special
weekend.”
There were many weekend highlights –
here’s just a few:
• Trish Downing spent Thursday
morning speaking to hundreds of
elementary school kids in the east
Tampa suburb of Brandon about
overcoming adversity and living life with a can-do attitude;
• Thursday night, Sarah Reinertsen gave a high-energy presentation to nearly 100 kids and
family members of the BlazeSports Club, convincing them through her own story to Fear
Less and Live More!;
• Friday, Sarah made her own appearance at another local school, again sharing her
unique story of perseverance and determination with nearly 450 adoring young students;
• Friday night, the PhelpDunbar Reception provided the chance to “do in one night what
would have taken me a decade to accomplish,” according to BlazeSports head coach
Andy Chasanoff, who acquired all this new equipment for his program;
• A five-man photo finish in the men’s wheelchair race, with Paralympic champion Josh
George ekeing out a win by less than a wheel for the top prize. Canadian champion
Diane Roy won the ladies race by a wide margin.
“We think LabCorp’s executives enjoyed being involved with this effort, and we hope to talk to
them soon about possibly helping us again next year,” said Friedland. “We’ve got something
good cooking here at Gasparilla, and it’s just going to get better for us.”
January 30, 2009
CAF-Florida Adds New Member to their Board of Directors
The CAF Florida Chapter is very please to announce the appointment of Waldo O.
Esparza, BSCP, to their Board of Directors. Esparza is the proprietor of Tampa Bay
Artificial Limbs, Inc. and a Florida-licensed Prosthetist, certified in Prosthetics by the
American Academy of Prosthetists and Orthotists in 1981. He is a left Transfemoral
amputee who has been in practice for more than 26 years, the last 20 in the Tampa Bay
area.
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“We’re so glad to have someone with Waldo’s understanding of the technical side of
prosthetics, something our Board has not had thus far,” said Lew Friedland, President of
the Florida Chapter. “We have lots of energy and commitment, and now we have
someone with specialized knowledge of the industry who can teach us all a thing or
two.” |
A graduate of the University of Washington Prosthetic and Orthotic program, Mr.
Esparza is a former member of the world renowned Sabolich Prosthetic Clinic, and held
the position of Upper Extremity Specialist for Florida Nova Care. Mr. Esparza's
subspecialty is Upper Extremity Prosthetics, as demonstrated by his extensive lecturing
and publishing on the subject, nationally and abroad.
Esparza earned a Bronze Medal in Sailing at the 1996 Paralympic games held in Atlanta.
Among the clients he has assisted is 21-year-old Ronnie Dickson, an above-knee
amputee by his own choosing three years ago after a lifetime struggle with Trevor’s
Disease. In that short period Ronnie has become a world-class bouldering and top-rope
climber, and is enrolled in the Prosthetics/Orthotics program at St. Petersburg College
with the hope of making a career of helping others.
January 30, 2009
Shawn Mello Offers Some CAF Show-and-Tell
When Shawn Mello arrived at Mintz Elementary School in Brandon, Florida last month,
he got the attention of the young students there in an instant. Maybe not quite like the
trainees he used to supervise as an Army Special Ops Green Beret, but close.
Shawn is helping CAF-Florida spread a
message of hope and inspiration around the
Bay Area, last month speaking to Mintz
students in a special program organized by
fourth-grade teacher and mega-CAF supporter
Stacey Underwood. He didn’t bring notes or
handouts – he just brought his extra leg for
the kids to pass around.
Stacey is the wife of a soldier who has done his
share of time in the Middle East, and is particularly passionate about supporting CAF’s
Operation Rebound program. When she heard Shawn might be available to speak to the
school during the recent Great American Teach-In, she jumped on the chance.
“The students just absolutely loved him, and the teachers praised his honesty and
straightforwardness and rapport with the kids” she said in an e-mail following the visit.
She said she is working with Shawn to get in touch with a young amputee and former
student there to pursue a possible CAF grant for a new prosthetic.“I had a great time,” Shawn said through a huge smile. “I just love kids, and it is so
great to be able to share my story with them and help them understand.”
Shawn is himself a father of five, and served in Special Ops around the world. Five years
ago he was running a Military Dive School Training Program in Key West when a freak
accident in rough weather threw him from his Zodiac, and he was struck by the
propeller. After some painful attempts to save his leg, he finally had it amputated about
eight inches below the knee. He’s thankful for his knee, but struggles with nerve
damage and phantom pain in his lower limb as he tries to maintain a very active
lifestyle.
CAF helped Shawn purchase a triathlon bike and brought him to the recent San Diego
Triathlon Challenge to participate in a special running clinic for amputees put on by
renowned gait specialist Bob Gailey. His goal is to complete the Olympic-distance St.
Anthony’s Triathlon in April as co-captain of the CAF Team.
He enjoys talking to groups about dealing with physical disabilities, and has offered to
share his story and the CAF mission with interested Bay Area groups. Certainly the kids
at Mintz Elementary were locked on to every word.
November 21, 2008
2009 Florida Event Schedule Set – CAF Registration Now Open!
The Florida Chapter of CAF is delighted to announce our 2009 event schedule. We will again working with three of the best-run events in the state to raise funds for challenged athletes. In each case, the event directors are helping us expand our opportunities to support these courageous individuals.
If you were part of our race family in 2007 or 2008, we hope you’ll reflect on your CAF experience and again join us for one, two or all three CAF events – and maybe bring along a few friends in ‘09! We’re determined to reach out to more challenged kids and adults throughout Florida and the southeast. Remember – the money raised by CAF-Florida gets distributed here in Florida first so we can help our local athletes first.
Come join us, and Race for a Reason – a truly great reason!
Publix Super Markets Gasparilla Distance Classic –
Feb. 28 – Mar. 1, 2009 –Tampa – minimum fund raising commitment - $100
Highlights include:
- Sarah Reinertsen, Major David Rozelle and Trisha Downing competing
- LabCorp Elite 15K Wheelchair Race on Saturday – world class racing!
- LabCorp corporate teams and extensive community participation program for challenged kids and adults from all around the area
Click here to join Team CAF Gasparilla 2009!
St. Anthony’s Triathlon -
April 26, 2009 - St. Petersburg – minimum fund-raising commitment - $500
Highlights include:
Ford Ironman Florida 70.3 –
May 17, 2009 – Orlando – minimum fund-raising commitment $1,000
Highlights include:
- Major David Rozelle, Paralympian Melissa Stockwell*, and two military relay teams will compete for Operation Rebound
- Fantastic family destination at Disney’s Wilderness Campground
- Private registration, bike check-in and bike compound for CAF fund raisers
Click here to join Team Operation Rebound 2009!
* Not yet confirmed
CAF-Florida Triple Crown – Do you have what it takes to complete all three Florida events? All Triple Crown finishers will receive recognition and a nice gift, so sign up here to do all three!
Click here to sign up for the CAF-Florida Triple Crown
November 21, 2008
15th Anniversary SDTC a Home Run for Florida Crew
The heartbreak of last year’s cancellation due to wildfires is at last a distant memory following an unforgettable 15th Anniversary Aspen Medical Products San Diego Triathlon Challenge (SDTC), Oct. 24-26 in spectacular La Jolla, California.
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A total of 136 physically challenged athletes of all ages, abilities and nationalities attended the event, most of which participated in either the half-Ironman distance triathlon, the Tour de Cove, the Kaiser Permanente Thrive-K Fitness Walk or the Qualcomm Million Dollar Challenge. Together, these events raised more than $2.4 million to support challenged athletes.
Three Florida challenged athletes attended the event for the first time, and had the opportunity to attend an excellent three-hour mobility/gait clinic for leg amputees. Conducted by Robert Gailey, PhD, PT, a University of Miami professor considered the ultimate gait specialist for those with prosthetics, each of the three were looking for assistance with their stride or with new equipment they just received.
“This is just one way CAF is able to help challenged athletes,” said Florid Chapter President Lew Friedland. “The funds we raise can be used for coaching and training, as well as for the actual purchase of equipment. In talking to each of these guys, it was definitely money well spent.” |
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Pictured from left, Robert Gailey, Jeff Rushe, Shawn Mello and Ronnie Dickson. |
Those athletes attending from Florida were:
Ronnie Dickson of Plant City is a 21-year-old left AK amputee by his own choice at age 18, following a life of struggles with Trevor’s Disease. He played soccer for years growing up, and is an accomplished rock climber, having captured top honors at the 2008 Extremity Games in bouldering. Ronnie is now enrolled in the new Prosthetics program at St. Petersburg College. His comments:
“My experience (in San Diego) was nothing short of excellent,” said Dickson, who recently received a new Total Knee 2100 and flex foot, and learned to run properly at the gait clinic.“I learned more in one weekend than I think I ever could have in years on my own. It was really great to be able to link up with such motivated people and really make things click. I have a new sense of inspiration from all the incredible people I met through CAF!”
Jeff Rushe, age 38, from Palm Harbor lost his right leg in a motorcycle accident in October 2003. A knee disarticulate who stays active, he just received his new running leg and knee in mid-October and was eagerly anticipating guidance to get him back into running.
“Wow, what an awesome experience CAF provided for me (at the SDTC) weekend,” said Rushe, who has three active kids. “I took away so much from the gait clinic and from meeting and exchanging ideas and methodologies with other amputees. Now that I’m home I’m continuing my running and looking into getting a bicycle that will suit me.”
Forty-one-year-old Shawn Mello of Tarpon Springs is a former Army Special Ops Green Beret. He was the Dive Master at the combined Army/Navy/Marine dive school in Key West in 2003 when a freak accident caused him to be tossed from his Zodiac and struck by the propeller, taking his right leg just below the knee. He struggles with running because he can’t feel the friction created due to the nerve damage.
“I want to relay to you and the rest of the CAF board members and contributors what a great time and experience I had in San Diego,” said Mello. “The running clinic was superb . . especially the one-on-one coaching from Paul Martin, Bob Gailey and the gang. The full experience of the SDTC from registration to the closing events was phenomenal. I have been inspired to become a mentor for young amputees as well as push myself to become a better athlete.”
If all goes according to plan, Ronnie, Jeff and Shawn will be competing in one or more of the Florida-based CAF events in the coming year, running with a new direction and enthusiasm. |
June 23 , 2008
Tampa Athlete Rings Up Paralympic Trifecta
It’s nice to know that hard work really does pay off. Tampa athlete and CAF grant recipient Robyn Stawski has turned two years of intensive training into a dream trip to Beijing in September, where she will compete in the 2008 Paralympic Games as a member of the US Team.
Robyn qualified to compete for medals in three events this fall – the shot put on Sept. 11 (Day 5 of the competition) and in the Javelin and Discus on Sept. 14 (Day 8).
| “It was quite an experience, that’s for sure,” she said after returning from an 11-day whirlwind trip to the Endeavor Games in Oklahoma in early June, followed by the 2008 US Paralympic Track and Field Team Trials in Phoenix last week. “"I've been working really hard and giving it everything I've got . . . and with the help of my new coach, I've been able to really dedicate myself and adapted my workouts, and it's paying off." |
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“It was quite an experience, that’s for sure,” she said after returning from an 11-day whirlwind trip to the Endeavor Games in Oklahoma in early June, followed by the 2008 US Paralympic Track and Field Team Trials in Phoenix last week. “"I've been working really hard and giving it everything I've got . . . and with the help of my new coach, I've been able to really dedicate myself and adapted my workouts, and it's paying off."
Not only did she exceed the Elite US Standard in all three events, she set two new American records, in the women's F33 shot put, with a throw of 5.67m (previous 5.45m), and the women's F33 discus with 12.93m (previous 11.78m).
Since last summer’s Para Pan American Games in Brazil, Stawski has been ranked in the top three in the world in all three events in her womens’ Field 33 classification. That designation applies to athletes who have cerebral palsy with functional abilities similar to hers. Stawski was born with Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy, which affects her mobility, balance and the use of all four limbs, particularly her legs. She uses an anchored throwing chair for all her events, designed specifically for her by the University of South Florida’s College of Engineering.
Her next stop? The Canadian Nationals July 1-6 to gain some international experience, then to Colorado Springs and the national Olympic Training Center Aug. 21 for last-minute training and processing prior to flying to Beijing by way of Okinawa, Japan.
“It’s all going so fast,” she said last week, “but it’s definitely exciting.”
Over 4,000 elite athletes with a physical disability from around the world are expected to compete in the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, September 6-17. The U.S. will field a team of 206 athletes who will compete in 18 sports.
May 29, 2008
Wounded veterans big winners as CAF wraps up its spring season in Orlando
Although the final total is still being tallied, three teams of CAF supporters have helped raise nearly $200,000 during CAF-Florida’s spring event season. Chartered in March 2007, CAF-Florida has already raised nearly $700,000 for challenged athletes.
“We’ve had a great couple of months, met some wonderful, generous people, and feel like we’re starting to make a difference,” says Lew Friedland, chapter president.
You think? Here’s how it breaks down:
At the 2008 Gasparilla Distance Classic, held in Tampa on Feb 20, hard-working Executive Director Susan Harmeling not only helped CAF form a Race for a Reason team, but helped guide us in bringing back the Elite 15K Wheelchair Division for the first time since 1997. A decade ago, the Gasparilla wheelchair race was the #2 race in the country. But when organizers decided to redirect prize purse money to its various charities, the wheelers quit coming.
| But in 2008, CAF-Florida was able to underwrite a modest prize purse and travel stipend pool, and with the help of world class wheelchair racer Scot Hollonbeck from Atlanta, brought out 35 of the country’s best wheelchair racers. Some had been around the racing circuit for years – others were young and hungry, right out of the nation’s two top collegiate programs at the University of Illinois and the University of Arizona. |
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They gave the crowds the best and only photo-finish of the weekend, and laid the foundation for returning the event to its earlier prominence.
The 35 racers, nearly 40 Race for a Reason team members and a group of young people from BlazeSports Club and the local YMCA’s who came out to try 5K racing for the first time, comprised a team of nearly 100 supporters who raised more than $10,000 for CAF.
“This was something very new for us,” said Friedland. “The race organizers were delighted to have us bring back the wheelchair race, and we hope to build on it for next year and eventually return the Elite wheelchair race to national prominence. With sponsor support and spreading the word, we should be about to grow our team and raise good money at this event.”
In April, CAF-Florida headed for St. Petersburg and the very popular St. Anthony’s Triathlon – the third largest triathlon in the country. Working with event director Philip LaHaye, Team CAF St. Anthony’s grew to 64 members, and when the dust settled at the end of Sunday’s sprint triathlon event, the team had raised just about $55,000.
“This is a great race, and a great event for us to be involved with,” said Friedland. “Our Board has a very good relationship with the race organization, and they helped us through our first effort here. It was amazing to hear the positive comments from team members as they headed home.”
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Co-captains for the team included well-known CAF athletes Ryan Levinson and Tricia Downing. Levinson is an EMT in the San Diego area who is fighting off the effects of Muscular Dystrophy and bucking doctors’ orders by continuing to train and race hard. Downing was paralyzed from the chest down in a bike accident in 2000, but has now completed 13 marathons and a variety of triathlons from sprint to Iron distance. |
Joining them as co-captains were two “new” CAF athletes: Matt Bigos, who suffered an incomplete spinal cord injury as a passenger in a car accident in June 2003 and was told he would spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair; and Quinn Simons, who lost both feet and all his fingers to frostbite after a failed attempt to summit Himalayan peak Gurla Mandhata in 1997.
“I think these four made a tremendous impact on everyone they met while our guests here in St. Pete,” said Friedland. “Delightful young people with a zest for living – such great role models for anyone, especially those with any kind of physical challenge. It was an honor to have them with us.”
The final stop on the CAF trifecta was Fort Wilderness Campground at Disney World in Orlando on May 18. Fifty-eight members of Team Operation Rebound raised nearly $130,000 at the 2008 Ford Ironman 70.3 Florida event, specifically to benefit wounded war veterans through CAF’s Operation Rebound program.
Army Major David Rozelle was the inspiration for Operation Rebound back in 2004 after recovering from a land mine explosion that took his right leg below the knee while serving in combat in Iraq. Rozelle became the first to return to combat on a prosthetic leg, and serves as the captain and motivating force behind Team Operation Rebound CAF.
| “This was year two for us at the event, and we honestly weren’t sure we could duplicate the feeling and camaraderie from 2007,” said Friedland. “But Rozelle brought some friends along with him, and we had an exceptional group of team members, and that buzz was definitely back. I think our team members had a great experience here.” |
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Joining Rozelle in the race was Army Sgt. (ret) Rich Ingram, and above the elbow amputee Rozelle refers to as the “redneck blur.” Rich is from northern Georgia and has the southern drawl to prove it, and is lightning quick once out of the water. Also on hand to greet the team members at the finish was Sgt. Sam Cila, who was injured in an IED explosion and has limited use of his left arm and hand, and Nico Marcolongo, a two-tour Marine who spent much of his time stationed at Camp Pendleton, and who recently became the Operation Rebound manager for CAF.
Ultimately, the trifecta paid nearly $200,000 into CAF coffers to fulfill future grant requests. While the chapter board is taking a short breather, plans are underway to grow their influence in Florida and throughout the southeast.
“We’re getting the word out that we are here, we have a nice system for raising money, and we are looking for individuals to support who want to “get back in the game,” added Friedland. “Now that we have a year under our belt, and more people involved, it will be interesting to spread our wings a little and try to reach out beyond our little part of the world. There’s so much more we can do here, and we really enjoy the process.”
May 12, 2008
Florida Chapter Corner - (CAF eNewsletter: May 2008)
Final preparations are underway for the final leg of the Florida Chapter’s Triple Crown – the Ford Ironman 70.3 Florida, being held at Disneyworld May 18. This race follows quickly on the heels of last month’s successful event at the St. Anthony’s Triathlon in St. Petersburg. The first of the three events was the Gasparilla Distance Classic in February where CAF-Florida was able to bring back the Elite 15K Wheelchair Division for the first time since 1997.
Team Operation Rebound Florida 2008 hopes to raise $150,000 for veterans whose service to their country in Iraq and Afghanistan resulted in permanent physical injuries. Operation Rebound provides the next step in their recovery once they master “the basics” needed to return to an active lifestyle.
Major David M. Rozelle, and fellow wounded veterans Rich Ingram and Sam Cila, will be leading CAF’s team in Orlando. Major Rozelle is a leading spokesperson for Operation Rebound and is a strong advocate for the healing power of sports in helping our wounded veterans get back into life.
February 15, 2008
Rebirth of 15K Wheelchair Division A Highlight of the
Gasparilla Distance Classic weekend in Tampa
Florida Chapter provides a glimpse of the future of CAF in Tampa Bay and Florida
Tampa, Fla – The 32 world-class athletes who competed in the Elite 15k Wheelchair Division at the Publix Super Markets Gasparilla Distance Classic on Saturday were lined up early. They were provided a 5-minute head start on the other 3,900 15K runners lined up as far as the eye could see.
But this head start wasn’t to give them a helping hand, it was to keep them from mowing down even the fastest competitors as they fly past in racing wheelchairs that are sleek, colorful, aerodynamic and just plain fast.
For some, the moment will be remembered as an exciting first-time experience. For the rest, it was a delightful déjà vu, a dusting off of decade-old memories and a stirring first step in the rebirth of one of the greatest wheelchair races in the country.
Thanks to a partnership between the race organizers and the Florida Chapter of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), wheelchair racing at Gasparilla is back. CAF put up more than $10,000 in prize purse money to attract many of the best in the world, and they certainly gave everyone watching their money’s worth
More than 15,000 participants competed in the four Gasparilla weekend events – a 5K, 15K, half-marathon and marathon. The first 32 off the line flew through the scenic 15K course along Tampa’s Bayshore Boulevard, heads down, powerful arms churning. Some 33 minutes later, the leaders were spotted rounding last curve, three of them side by side, now in a full sprint for that first-prize money.
The crowd excitement grew as it became obvious it would be an extremely close finish. Race organizers and fans alike jostled for a clear view of the racers as they came to the finish line, with less than a second dividing first and third place. It was the closest and most exciting finish of the day, and an appreciative and growing crowd applauded their efforts.
Officially, Canadian Mark Ledo edged out countryman Michel Filteau and American Tyler Byers by less than a second, recording a time of 32.55 to their 32.56. Not 18 inches separated the three at the line. For the women, the top three were Diane Roy of Canada (0:39:02), who beat out Americans Shirley Reilly (42:31) and Jessica Galli (
“For our first time, it went really well,” said Lew Friedland with the Florida CAF Board. “We learned a lot about how to do this kind of event, but even with our small crew, I think the athletes had a great time. They’ve told us they want to come back next year, so that’s the best test of all.”
In addition to the Saturday morning race, CAF also hosted both a Thursday night Life Skills seminar for members of Tampa’s disabled community, and a special reception on Friday night for the wheelchair racers, members of the CAF team, and special guests Dick and Rick Hoyt. Held on the Riverwalk Promenade at the Tampa Convention Center.
“We made contact with a lot of new people over Gasparilla weekend, and that’s exactly what we needed to accomplish,” Friedland added. “We’ve started something here that we feel we can build on, and give CAF some great exposure throughout one of Florida largest markets. We just can’t ask for much more. Plus we gave them a great photo finish!”
January 31, 2008
CAF-Florida helps 15K Elite Wheelchair Division Make a Comeback at Gasparilla Distance Classic
Tampa, Fl - Thanks to a new partnership between the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association and the Florida Chapter of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), the once hugely popular 15K Elite Wheelchair Division is back!
On Saturday, February 9, at 7:25 a.m., two dozen of the best wheelchair racers in the country will line up wheel-to-wheel for an epic battle worthy of the Gasparilla tradition. These world-class “wheelers” will streak along Tampa’s beautiful Bayshore Boulevard ahead of thousands of 15K runners. At stake? More than $10,000 in prize money.
Through CAF’s Race for a Reason program, able-bodied runners who register to race in any of the four Publix Super Markets Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend events are also able to join Team CAF Gasparilla 2008. Their pledges to raise a minimum of $100 each for CAF will allow the Wheelchair Division to be part of every future Gasparilla event. Anyone interested in joining the CAF team can go to www.raceforareason08.kintera.org/gasparilla08.
For more than a decade, the 15K elite wheelchair race was one of the biggest attractions during the February Race Weekend. In 1997, more than 75 of the top racers in the world wrapped up a week of warm-weather training for the Boston Marathon with a no-holds-barred assault on the wide, level and near-perfect 15K wheelchair course.
However race organizers lost those competitors when they discontinued the prize purse, hoping instead to redirect more money to local charities. Despite their good intentions, the move put an unexpected end to the wheelchair event, which has been missing from Gasparilla race weekend ever since – at least until now.
“We’re so excited to have CAF working with us to make this happen,” says Susan Harmeling, the Executive Director of the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association that puts on the event. “With the return of competitive wheelchair racing on the streets of Tampa, the community will be made more aware of how participating in events like Gasparilla’s 15K or 5K can provide those with physical challenges a tremendous boost in self-confidence and purpose in their lives.”
Lew Friedland, founder of CAF’s new Florida Chapter, said his group has been successful raising funds at some of the big events in the state, but was looking for a good way to spend some of what they have raised since their startup in late 2006.
“When we approached Susan, we came not to ask for money, but to ask what we could do to help out the race,” says Lew Friedland, founder of CAF’s newborn Florida Chapter. “When she told us what happened after the 1997 race, trying to re-create a competitive wheelchair division was a perfect fit for us.”
November 5, 2007
First year fund-raising totals in for Florida CAF Chapter
After a very fast-paced first year in existence, the Florida Chapter has reported fundraising totals of approximately $425,000 to the CAF headquarters. Although some of those funds were already utilized to fulfill 53 grant requests throughout the southeast last April, the total represents a successful first 12 months for the group.
“I’d have to say we are delighted with the results we had, and want to say thank you to everyone who helped us get there,” said Lew Friedland, founding board member of the new chapter. “We tried some things, got a little lucky, and had some tremendous support from our friends in the business world here. They deserve all our thanks.”
The Chapter kicked off its efforts with a Bar-be-que fundraiser at Friedland’s house in Palm Harbor, near the chapter’s unofficial office in Tarpon Springs. CAF founder Bob Babbitt and Rudy Garcia-Tolson were on hand for the affair and spoke to the group, dubbed the Founder’s Club. A ticket to attend was $1,000, and a total of $165,000 was raised that weekend.
The next major effort was at the Florida 70.3 in Orlando in May, and a total of approximately $200,000 was raised there by members of Team Operation Rebound 2007. A number of fundraisers, including a major donation from Dr. Brad Henderson, along with sales of CAF gear, etc. and the total just tops $425,000.
“Although we’re pleased, we know we’ve just scratched the surface in Florida,” says Friedland. “The CAF story is such a great one to tell, and once you spend a few minutes with people and share what CAF is doing, they just want to help. Our hats are off to those who created such a wonderful CAF legacy out of California for us to share with others. They have made our lives easy.”
September 17, 2007
St. Anthony’s Triathlon Welcomes CAF as Charity Partner
St. Petersburg, Fla. – Few triathletes don’t know the name St. Anthony’s Triathlon, one of the sport’s most popular Olympic-distance events in the country. More than 4,000 professionals and amateurs will compete in St. Petersburg on April 27 at this great event, with hopefully close to 200 also raising funds for the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF).
Event Director Philip LaHaye opened his arms to CAF at their September Board meeting, and the Florida Chapter Board officially adopted St. Anthony’s as their third official CAF affiliated event for 2008.
“We love this race,” said Pete Adams, a member of the St. Pete Mad Dogs triathlon group and a multiple-time finisher at St. Anthony’s. Adams will be spearheading the effort to sign competitors up for Team CAF St. Anthony’s 2008. “We know Philip supports everything we’re doing at CAF, so it should be a great weekend.”
Team members will receive a specially designed CAF Tri-top and bike jersey, customized race bibs, and most important, have an opportunity to start in an early “Charity Wave” just behind the pro and elite athletes. At St. Anthony’s, with a limited number of starters in each wave, team members could get underway as much as an hour or more ahead of their age group.
In addition, a preferred location for racking their bikes will be provided, plus a special VIP tent near the finish line on race day for team members and their families to use before, during and after the race. Customized race bibs will help identify team members throughout the day.
One of more CAF athletes will be in St. Petersburg and compete in the event as team co-captains.
Anyone already registered for St. Anthonys and interested in joining Team CAF St. Anthony’s 2008 please click here (race registration closed almost immediately).
August 21, 2007
Plans formalized For Team CAF Operation Rebound Florida 2008
Orlando, Fla. - Still basking in the success of their first major Race For A Reason event in May, the Florida Chapter of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) has nailed down its plan to return in even greater numbers to the 2008 Ford Ironman 70.3 Florida. The event is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, at Ft. Wilderness Campground at Disney World in Orlando.
Nearly $200,000 was raised at the 2007 race, surprising even the most optimistic members of the Florida group and setting the stage for the formation of Team Operation Rebound Florida 2008.
“People simply wanted to help out the troops any way they could, and we gave them a special, easy way to pitch in,” says Lew Friedland, Florida Chapter board member. “The athletes had an unforgettable weekend, and they want to come back and do it again.”
Military amputee Major David Rozelle helped create CAF’s Operation Rebound program, and was captain of the team of 55 Ironman racers who signed up to be members of Team CAF Operation Rebound 2007. An emotional presentation at a team breakfast the day before the race gave team members and first-hand look at why they were supporting CAF.
Rozelle brought up on the stage Elmer Dinglasan, a Tampa-area resident who, at age 33, volunteered for Navy service as a medic to help any way he could in Iraq following the events of 9/11. Despite traveling in the “safer” middle vehicles of a convoy, his vehicle was hit by a land mine and he lost both legs last year.
Still struggling with his new walking prosthetics in May, Dinglasan was presented with a new tennis wheelchair, so he and his wife could once again get out on the court and play tennis together. The next morning Elmer donned one of the distinctive team bike jerseys, and greeted Rozelle and every member of the team with a race medal at the finish line arch.
An oversized check for nearly $170,000 was presented to Rozelle at the breakfast, but the total almost reached $200,000 after all funds were collected. Before the event was even complete on that Sunday, race director Tom Ziebart rode up to Friedland on his bicycle and said, “We’re doing this again next year, right?!”
Rozelle will lead the charge again in 2008, and may be joined by other celebrity athletes to form competitive fundraising teams to make this year’s event even more successful.
Anyone interested in joining Team CAF Operation Rebound 2008 may click here.
July 16, 2007
Florida Chapter announces first CAF event for 2008
Tampa, Fla. –The CAF-Florida Chapter has announced their first fundraising effort for 2008 working with one of the largest events in the southeast United States, the Gasparilla Distance Classic.
The Classic, to be held Saturday, February 9-10 in Tampa, has been a local tradition since 1978, and a popular destination for people all over the eastern United States looking for a sunny place to race. The event raises funds for local youth charitable organizations and has generated well over $2 million since its inception. More than 15,000 people participate in four weekend races (5K, 15K, half-marathon and full marathon).
Gasparilla’s 15K was also once among the world’s premier wheelchair races, attracting as many as 120 competitors from many different countries at its peak. However, since so many racers were professionals who traveled long distances to compete, when the Gasparilla organizers elected to redirect race proceeds to more local charities and eliminate prize money after the 1997 race, the wheelchair division disappeared.
For the 2008 event, CAF-Florida has team up with race organizers to bring back the 15K Wheelchair Division, guaranteeing a prize purse supported by able-bodied competitors who join Team CAF Gasparilla 2008. Through CAF’s Race For A Reason program, funds raised will provide the motivation and opportunity for local challenged athletes to get out and race.
“The money raised will not only support the CAF's sponsorship of the wheelchair division at Gasparilla,” said CAF-Florida board member Bob Hearn, who is spearheading the Gasparilla program, “but it will also fund CAF's core mission, which is to provide monetary grants to challenged athletes for specialized racing and athletic equipment, training and travel that they could not otherwise afford."
Anyone interested in joining Team CAF Gasparilla 2008 can click here to sign up.
June 1, 2007
CAF-Florida Chapter Raises $160,000 for Operation Rebound
Orlando, Fla. - In their first official event since becoming the Challenged Athletes Foundation’s first chapter, CAF-Florida raised over $160,000 for wounded veterans through their Operation Rebound fundraiser.
More than 60 triathletes who competed in the 2007 Ford Ironman Florida 70.3 event at Disney World generated funds for Operation Rebound as they raced. Each had to raise at least $1,000 through CAF’s Race for a Reason program to join Team Operation Rebound. The morning before the race, the group presented a check to team captain Major David Rozelle for $157,648. Several thousand additional dollars were received after the breakfast to bring the total to more than $166,000.
“This is just unbelievable, what they’ve done,” said Rozelle while enjoying a cold beer and resting his sore right leg after he finished the half-Ironman event, held at Fort Wilderness Campground in Orlando. “This is going to help a lot of our guys.”
Event highlights included the presentation of a tennis chair to Elmer Dinglasan, a bilateral leg amputee (one AK, one BK) and his wife Margarita, by Rozelle (photo courtesy ASIphoto.com). The chair will help Elmer continue to compete at a high level. Another feel-good moment came when Rozelle walked with Jordan Gollnick, a young girl with cerebral palsy and daughter of pro-triathlete Heather Gollnick, in the Kid's Run. Jordan said, “"I had a great time when I did the run in Disney World with David Rozelle."
March 27, 2007
Join the Operation Rebound: Florida 70.3 Team — Funds Raised to Help American Heroes “Get Back into the Game”
Tarpon Springs, Fla. – Led by U.S. Army Major David M. Rozelle, the new Florida chapter of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) is recruiting athletes for Operation Rebound: Florida 70.3, a special fund-raising event to be held in conjunction with the Ford Ironman 70.3 Florida at Disney World on May 20, 2007.
Maj. Rozelle was featured during the recent NBC coverage of the 2006 Ford Ironman World Championship. He is a below-knee amputee and an inspirational icon for injured American military personnel in the Middle East conflicts. While commanding 140 troops in Iraq, he lost part of his right leg when a land mine exploded under his Humvee. After completing his rehabilitation, he made the decision to return to active duty on a prosthetic leg – the first American soldier to do so in modern times.
Now, Maj. Rozelle is a spokesman for Operation Rebound, a CAF program that provides post-rehabilitation support and mentoring to American military personnel whose service to their country in Iraq and Afghanistan resulted in permanent physical disabilities. Operation Rebound provides the next step in the soldiers’ recovery once they master “the basics” needed to return to an active lifestyle. Maj. Rozelle strongly believes in the healing power of sports to accomplish this mission.
Maj. Rozelle will be competing at the Ford Ironman 70.3 Florida race and wants to help raise additional funds for Operation Rebound. Through CAF's Race for a Reason program, a limited number of Ford Ironman 70.3 triathletes will be able to join Rozelle's Operation Rebound: Florida 70.3 team for this race. The requirement? Athletes must raise at least $1,000 in support for CAF in conjunction with the race. The payoff? Benefits include:
- Private race registration times – no standing in line.
- A special bike area designated for the first 50 to join the Operation Rebound team.
- A luncheon and photo opportunity on Saturday with Maj. Rozelle as special guest speaker.
- An autographed copy, personalized for you, of Maj. Rozelle's book: Back in Action: An American Soldier's Story of Courage, Faith and Fortitude.
- A specially designed jersey for Operation Rebound team members to wear on race day so everyone knows you are racing for the troops!
- An opportunity to meet other American heroes injured protecting our freedom, who may greet you at the finish line.
- BEST OF ALL – the top three fund raisers will receive not only an Ironman gift package with a $500 retail value, but also one slot to a North America Sports event of their choice in the 12 months following Ford Ironman Florida 70.3
All fundraising will be organized and tracked through CAF's Race for a Reason program, which makes the process easy and fun. Click here to sign up for Operation Rebound: Florida 70.3. Simply select “join a team” and choose “Operation Rebound: 70.3” in the Race for a Reason drop-down box. Additional incentive prizes are offered by CAF, depending upon the amount raised beyond the $1,000 required to join the Operation Rebound team.
To view a short video about Operation Rebound, click here.
March 26, 2007
New Chapter helps support 53 athlete grants for 2007
Tarpon Springs, Fla. - The new Florida Chapter of the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) was notified by the home office last week that the more than $100,000 in charitable donations collected since their kickoff event in November has been utilized to fulfill grant requests from 53 challenged athletes throughout the southeast.
“Wow, what a thrill!” said Lew Friedland, former president of the World Triathlon Corporation (Ironman) who is spearheading this new chapter. “To actually see the CAF board put what we’ve collected to such good use in such a short period of time makes this very real and meaningful to everyone involved. I’m delighted to have had even a small part in getting this effort underway, and to help so many deserving people.”
All totaled, CAF approved 478 grant requests from around the United States and 14 countries - the most in their 14-year history. Hundreds of thousands of dollars will be distributed to athletes in need of equipment, training or competition expenses in the year ahead. A total of 20 grants were approved for prosthetics (artificial arms or legs), nearly 150 grants will purchase new competition chairs for basketball, racing, rugby or tennis. Well over 100 grants will help challenged athletes with training expenses or the cost of traveling and competing in events around the world.
Of that total, just over $104,000 collected by the new Florida chapter funded 53 requests from throughout the southeast.
“This really makes us feel a part of the CAF team,” said Friedland. “We’re very proud to be associated with a cause that makes such a difference in people’s lives.”
March 7, 2007
Challenged Athletes Foundation Announces Formation of Florida Chapter: Move Bolsters Disabled Sports Organization’s National Presence
San Diego, Calif. – The Challenged Athletes Foundation’s (CAF) continuing efforts to increase its national and international presence and to help ever-increasing numbers of challenged athletes "get into the game" have taken a big leap forward, as the organization's Board of Directors has approved the creation of CAF's first chapter: CAF-Florida. Spearheaded by former World Triathlon Corporation president Lew Friedland, the new chapter will serve to deliver CAF's message of heroes, heart and hope to new audiences in the Sunshine State – and across the Southeastern United States.
"We're very excited to take the next step in our growth as an organization," said Virginia Tinley, CAF's executive director. "Lew has been a huge CAF supporter for many years and his intimate familiarity with CAF, our mission and our athletes makes him the perfect person to lead this important effort."
"CAF is a wonderful organization, and they do wonderful things for so many deserving people,” said Friedland. “We know we can do a lot of good in Florida, and felt it was time to get started so we can support everything CAF is doing to help physically challenged athletes.”
Joining Friedland in forming the new Florida chapter is a group of individuals from Jacksonville to Sarasota with wide-ranging professional and athletic experience. They soon hope to involve people from every corner of Florida and spread the word about how CAF is helping physically challenged individuals. Other key members of the effort are:
- Bob Hearn, attorney/triathlete, Zuckerman-Spaeder, Tampa;
- Tim Hudson, CPA/triathlete/president - St. Pete Mad Dogs Triathlon Club, St. Petersburg;
- Pete and Robin Adams, owners - Benefactor Realty/Mad Dogs members, St. Petersburg;
- Robert Williams, attorney/triathlete, Fowler-White, Tampa;
- Ed Levins, cycle shop entrepreneur/triathlete from Bradenton/Sarasota;
- Bill Gair, COO LifeSouth Community Blood Centers/triathlete, Gainesville;
- Linda Quirk, retired educator/triathlete, Jacksonville; and,
- Kelly Mione, Marketing VP/former editor of Ironman.com.
Among the new Chapter's first initiatives is Operation Rebound: Florida 70.3, which offers a select group of participants a chance to race with CAF spokesman Maj. David Rozelle at the Disney 70.3 triathlon, while raising money to help make American heroes suffering permanent injuries Iraq and Afghanistan whole again through sports. To learn more or to sign up, click here: http://raceforareason.kintera.org/orflorida
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The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) is a special place where courage has many faces … where perseverance comes through the door with a first name … where dreams are nourished and heroes have a home. It is an organization unlike any other in the world.
CAF grew out of a desire to assist one athlete paralyzed in a triathlon. From this modest beginning arose a more important mission – to make sure people with physical challenges have the same freedom to enjoy sports that the able-bodied take for granted.
Since 1997, CAF has satisfied more than 2,500 funding requests from challenged athletes in all 50 states and dozens of countries. Additionally, CAF’s outreach efforts reach another 60,000 individuals each year. Whether it’s $2,000 for a handcycle, helping underwrite a $15,000 running prosthetic 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.
CAF Extends Its Reach to Florida
The CAF Board of Directors have continued their efforts to increase the organization’s national and international presence by chartering their first chapter organization, CAF-Florida. This new chapter is delivering CAF's message of heroes, heart and hope to new audiences in the Sunshine State and across the Southeastern United States.
A group of motivated business men and women from central Florida first approached the Board in the fall of 2006 with an interest in creating a stronger CAF presence on the east coast. After raising $165,000 in seed money at a November Founder’s Club event, it was obvious this group was serious about getting involved, and a formal chapter agreement was signed in March.
"CAF is a wonderful organization, and they do wonderful things for so many deserving people,” says Lew Friedland, one of the founders and now president of CAF-Florida. “We know we can do a lot of good in Florida, and felt it was time to get started so we can support everything CAF is doing to help physically challenged athletes.”
The new Florida chapter is comprised of individuals with a wide-range of professional and athletic experience, mostly from around the Tampa Bay area. They hope to grow slowly to involve people from every corner of Florida and spread the word about how CAF is helping physically challenged individuals.
To learn more about the CAF-Florida Chapter, check out any of our Section Highlight links.
Challenged Athletes Foundation – Florida
Email FloridaCAF@challengedathletes.org
Phone 1-727-942-2591 ext. 222
Fax 1-727-938-3328.
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