FILBUR Sponsors Challenged Athletes

The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), a world leader in helping individuals with physical challenges, including injured military, get involved in sports, welcomed over 5,000 supporters – spectators and participants – to the La Jolla Cove for the 19th Annual Aspen Medical Products San Diego Triathlon Challenge (SDTC). The day-long event raised $1.4 million to help physically challenged individuals become more active, and FILBUR Manufacturing was a silver sponsor, supplying both money and volunteers. 

Shelly Johnson, Marketing Manager for FILBUR Manufacturing says “Being part of CAF’s SDTC is truly a life-changing event for all involved – spectators and participants alike. Most people don’t realize the financial implications of the equipment and support involved in getting just one challenged individual back on his/her feet…both literally and figuratively. FILBUR Manufacturing is proud to part of something so important and positive.” 

The event began 19 years ago as a small fundraiser to help a local injured triathlete regain his independence through the sport he loved. Today, the Aspen Medical Products San Diego Triathlon Challenge has grown into a celebration of life and sport that is making a difference in the lives of physically challenged athletes around the world. SDTC is an event unlike any other. It features a “challenge” distance triathlon, a 1 mile swim, 44 mile bike, and 10 mile run, in which more than 200 challenged athletes compete side-by-side with 500 able-bodied athletes. 

The triathlon itself is the culmination of a full weekend of events which also includes the 24 Hour Fitness Tour de Cove, a four-and-a-half hour stationary cycling marathon, and the Kaiser Permanente Thrive-5K Fitness Walk, both of which take place at La Jolla Cove. Challenged athletes of all ages and abilities from around the world come together in La Jolla for this unique day. To provide additional support to these challenged athletes, CAF conducted four sports and agility clinics, each designed to teach challenged athletes the skills they need to succeed in sports. These clinics include the CAF Össur Leg Amputee Running and Mobility Workshop, Wheelchair Triathlon Workshop, Challenged Athlete Swim Workshop, and Challenged Athlete Open Water Swim Workshop.

Funds raised over the course of the weekend allow CAF to support challenged athletes by providing grants for adaptive sports equipment, training and competition expenses so they can live active lifestyles and participate in sports. In addition, CAF will raise awareness and change perceptions of what is possible for people with physical disabilities. By participating in the triathlon, cycling marathon, 5K and kids run, more than 200 challenged athletes will demonstrate that there are no limits to their success in sports and life.

To learn more about CAF and SDTC go to www.challengedathletes.org, and follow CAF on twitter @CAFoundation or #BestDayInTri.