SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF), a world leader in creating athletic opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities, announced today the new roster and race schedule for their CAF Elite Paratriathlon Team. Now in its second year, the team will kick off its 2014 season with two members racing in ITU Besancon, France on Sunday, May 25. Two-time National Champion Geoffrey Kennedy (PT-1) and three-time and reigning National Champion Mark Barr (PT-2) will travel to France representing USA in this highly competitive event.
The full schedule for the CAF Elite Paratriathlon Team will include ITU PATCO in Dallas, Texas, ITU Chicago, ITU Magog in Canada, the Accenture Challenged Athletes International Championship at the New York City Triathlon and culminate with the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final in Edmonton, Canada.
Since the announcement of Paratriathlon’s debut in the Paralympics in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, in 2016, competition worldwide has soared making it imperative for elite athletes to travel, compete and gain valuable ITU series points against the best in their class. An ITU Paratriathlon race consists with a 750 meter swim, a 20 kilometer bike and a 5 kilometer run.
This year’s team roster will include returning members Sarah Reinertsen, Thomas Cain, Mark Barr, Jamie Brown, JP Theberge and Patricia Walsh, and welcome new member Geoffrey Kennedy, a two-time National Champion (PT-1).
Established in 2013, the CAF Elite Paratriathlon Team was formed to provide some of the top U.S. paratriathletes the support they needed to compete at the highest level. Members enjoy funding and product donations from sponsors including J&L Pie Company, Nike, PowerBar, XTERRA Wetsuits, Rudy Project, and Procellera Elite. These partners assist CAF in providing the team with apparel and shoes, nutrition, equipment, training stipends and race expenses that allow the members the ability to reach their highest potential.
Challenged Athletes Foundation
The Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) is a world leader in helping individuals with physical challenges get involved – and stay involved – in sports. CAF believes that participation in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. Since 1994, more than $53 million has been raised and more than 9,500 funding requests from challenged athletes in all 50 states and dozens of countries have been satisfied. Additionally, CAF’s outreach efforts reach another 60,000 individuals each year. Whether it’s a $2,500 grant for a handcycle, helping underwrite a carbon fiber running foot not covered by insurance, 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.
